Opened in 1888, The Lyric was the second theatre to be completed along Shaftesbury Avenue and now boasts the distinction of being the street's oldest surviving resident and the only theatre still using a manually operated hydraulic pump to open its curtain.
Originally seating 1,306 (they liked to pack 'em in back in the day) the auditorium now seats 967,
No ghosts are reported, but there is the slightly disturbing fact the building encompasses a house dating back to 1766, that was used as part residence, part museum and part anatomical theatre of one Dr. William Hunter. This facade can still be seen on the theatre’s Windmill Street exit, where the dressing rooms are located.