Lyric Hammersmith Theatre

The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is one of London‘s leading producing theatres. A vision for the Hammersmith theatre were first discussed in 1886 by Charles Cordingly. In 1888, a small theatre opened on Bradmore Grove. In 1895, the Lyric opened as the New Lyric Opera House with a performance of Dora, a one-act play. During WWI, audience numbers declined, so to encourage new visitors, the Lyric became a house for touring companies.

In 1949, a production of The Seagull transferred to the West End. That same year, John Gielgud (of Gielgud Theatre fame) directed Richard Burton. The 1950s saw many big names perform, including Marie Rambert and a production of Harold Pinter's The Birthday Party..

The Lyric was set to be demolished in 1969, but after a local campaign, the Queen reopened the venue a decade later. Notable productions include Make and Break, Noises Off and Ghost Stories. In 2018, the Main House was refurbished for the first time in 40 years. Rachel O'Riordan joined as artistic director in February 2019.