Lyceum Theatre
Lyceum Theatre
4.5
11:00 AM - 2:45 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:45 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:45 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:45 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:45 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:45 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 2:45 PM
About
Operated by the Ambassadors Theatre Group, the Lyceum Theatre is instantly recognisable by its grand, Grade II listed building that stands proudly in London’s Covent Garden. Since 1999, the theatre has been home to Disney’s The Lion King, a beloved musical that’s become a major part of the West End’s cultural scene.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Covent Garden
Whether you're headed here to check out the multitude of shops, theaters, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, or simply to be among the multitude of people who pass through this pretty part of town, you'll love soaking up the festive and historic atmosphere in and around Covent Garden. Even if you don't have tickets to the opera or a show at one of the many famous theaters here, don't be surprised if find yourself captivated by some impromptu act of a street performer wowing the crowds in Covent Garden's Piazza. If you do have tickets, you'll be pleased to note that many of the local eateries accommodate theatergoers with prix fixe menus, early dinners, and later than usual opening hours.
How to get there
- Covent Garden • 5 min walk
- Temple • 5 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- mark7242Leeds, United Kingdom611 contributionsVery Good ShowWe went to see Lion king and paid extra for the ambassador suite with a drink and nibbles. Well worth the extra and the seat where great with a good view. Think Lion King is more for kids than adults but overall had a good time. Wouldn’t return but purely because that’s me.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 October 2023
- MooiePeterborough, United Kingdom23 contributionsAmazing StaffI wanted to give a huge thanks to Layla, who came when security called her to take us up in the lift to the Grand Circle as I have some mobility issues. Layla took our printout to the box office to exchange them for tickets , then she chatted with us all the way up in the lift, pointed out where the toilets were that would be most accessible as well. Layla told us the best way to get to our seats A31/32 but then came with us to make sure we got there ok. She then pointed out that there was a QR code on the back of the seat that we could scan for treats either straight away or for the interval. We did use it and ordered icecreams for the interval. Layla told us that we use the lift again after the show and that a colleague would be waiting for us to take us back down. The show was amazing, and funny which we didn't expect. Grand Circle seats A31/32 are amazing as you can see everything. We waited when the show was over for others to leave the auditorium and then we made our way over to Gemma who said straight away that she knew we were waiting for the lift, which dhe popped us into and then raced down the stairs to meet us at the bottom.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 November 2023
- Kirsty G1 contributionBrilliant Show Brilliant Theatre and Brilliant Staff (wheelchair user)I feel like i had to come on here and write a review. Me my husband and our daughters came here last night, when we booked the seats my husband was not in a wheelchair so we knew this was going to be a bit of a nightmare for us BUT when we got there a really nice man took us to an entrance for wheelchairs and then took us up in a lift. he then took us to our box and then removed the wheelchair. He came into the box during the interval to make sure we was ok and if we needed anything. at the end of the show a worker was there with my husbands wheelchair to take us back down. The way the theatre dealt with the situation was brilliant and the kindness and helpfulness of the staff was amazing, Thank you all so muchVisited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 12 January 2024
- LVine3 contributionsDrink’s pricesBooked last minute. Great seat row K in the stalls. Bought a medium glass of rosé wine upon arrival and paid contactless, The show was amazing, however checked my bank statement the next day and saw I had been charged £16 for 1 medium glass of wine. !! That is extortionate I have contacted the company querying this and I’m waiting for a response.Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten 29 January 2024
- Donna SWadebridge, United Kingdom2 contributionsEpic show. Outstanding staffBeautiful place. Comfortable seats, awesome view even way up in the grand circle. Staff couldn't have been more helpful. Special shout out to the access team, its truly amazing that it's someone job to ensure everyone needs are met. The service warmed my heart as much as the joy of the show ( lion king)Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 February 2024
- TravellerclassFarnham, United Kingdom1,183 contributionsWhat a great experience.We had tickets bought for us for a Christmas Present to see the Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, Thurs 8 Feb at 19:30. The place is so easy to find and we walked from Waterloo over the bridge and the building is directly opposite you next to the Wellington Inn. Anyway we had seats J14/J15 in the Royal Circle and these were superb and cost £65 each. We arrived a little early at 18:45 and were allowed straight in up to the Royal Circle bar area. We bought a drink each and then out of the blue a waiter team member came over and asked us both if we would like to be admitted in to the Ambassador VIP Lounge area as they had two people booked in who had cancelled. This was such a pleasant surprise for us and we sat in complete luxury with about 30 others waiting to be taken to our seats prior to the show. We had another drink in the lounge during the interval and were also allowed to leave our coats and bags in there until after the show. We certainly had the most amazing experience and really enjoyed what was a fantastic show. This Theatre is just immaculate and the staff wonderful and friendly. If you have never been before it is certainly worth a visit. Thank you.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 February 2024
- KizzyklhMalvern Hills, United Kingdom96 contributionsGorgeous theatreWe visited to watch the Lion king and had a wonderful evening. The theatre itself is stunning with some gorgeous features. We opted to pay a bit extra for the ambassador lounge which really made the evening - we got a table in the lounge where we could leave our coats and it included a couple of drinks (table service), a programme and ice cream during the interval. The staff were lovely and took you down to your seats prior to the show starting.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 February 2024
- Ultimate FoodieSan Francisco, California360 contributionsSpectacular!The Lion King musical was outstanding! The theatre is amazingly beautiful. We thoroughly enjoyed the musical. The costumes were beautiful and the animation was superb. The staff were friendly and helpful. A good show for all agesVisited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 March 2024
- JohnnyNottinghamshire, United Kingdom275 contributionsBeautiful theatre and friendly staffJust a short walk from the Covent Garden tube station is this beautiful theatre showing the Lion King. Greeted by really friendly and helpful staff the whole experience was positive. The auditorium is comfortable and the seats have plenty of leg room which isn’t always the case in these older theatres. A perfect setting for the Lion King.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 March 2024
- painting123Newport, United Kingdom6 contributionsAmazing staff at Lyceum TheatreOn 20/03/04 my daughter and myself went to see the Lion King in the Lyceum Theatre. We were waiting in the Royal Circle Bar for the show to start when I was taken ill I passed out and was violently sick which was truly frightening. I want to thank 2 of your staff, David and Kaleigh for what they did to help me. They were amazing after sorting me out we were able to take our seats and watch the show was truly wonderful. Thank you once again to you both. To the management . You should be very proud of the staff that work for you.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 22 March 2024
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4.5
1,253 reviews
Excellent
792
Very good
272
Average
94
Poor
43
Terrible
52
Paul B
Smarden, UK45 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Once a year I take a trip to London with my partner to experience the city, this year we took a trip to the theatre and watched the lion king. It was a long day on the old feet and it was a blessing to hear that their doors were open around 1800 so we could sit in the grand circle bar and chill out before the show. You can expect high prices for drinks and refreshments would advise taking your own sweets and snacks. When it was time to be seated it was a good view for the cheapest ticket (£63 roughly) seats were very cramped and uncomfortable for the 2.5 hours of being seated temperature was comfortable tho. I would say the intro and the ending were the best scenes of the show in between was mediocre all depends what entertains the individual I suppose. For the profit that each show makes I was expecting something a bit more spectacular. Would recommend for the experience if you haven’t done it before, would not see it again tho.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KazB79
England, UK61 contributions
Sept 2021
First of all this is a review on the venue rather than the performance (which was excellent).
They opened the doors around 6pm but made everyone wait crammed into the foyer with no room to breathe until just before 7pm. No other theatre we have visited does this. I don't understand the logic behind it. If you're going to let people in at that time then make the whole venue accessible rather than have people crammed in together. It spoilt it for us as it also meant we were unable to get around and look at merchandise, or sit and relax in the bar before the performance.
No complaints about the prices of drinks. It's the West End of London so I'm not sure why people complain about it being too expensive. Do people really expect Poundland prices when they come here? Do your research beforehand and plan it into your budget.
We got into our seats in the stalls just after 7pm. The show was due to start at 7.30pm but it didn't actually start until 7.50pm. What's even more annoying is that they were allowing latecomers in until beyond 8pm. This was really annoying as people in front kept having to stand up to let latecomers into their seats. It wasn't just the odd one either, there were a lot of late arrivals. This ruined the first 15 minutes of the show for us with people in front having to keep standing up. It's not acceptable. They should not be allowing people in who can't be bothered to get there on time. Arriving at 8.05pm for a show due to start at 7.30 isn't on at all.
The actual theatre itself is a beautiful building and the show was amazing. Theatre staff were very polite and friendly. It's just a shame the organisation is chaotic. Get some managers in who know what they're doing and it could be great. We went to Her Majesty's Theatre last month to watch Phantom of the Opera and we didn't experience any of the problems we experienced here.
They opened the doors around 6pm but made everyone wait crammed into the foyer with no room to breathe until just before 7pm. No other theatre we have visited does this. I don't understand the logic behind it. If you're going to let people in at that time then make the whole venue accessible rather than have people crammed in together. It spoilt it for us as it also meant we were unable to get around and look at merchandise, or sit and relax in the bar before the performance.
No complaints about the prices of drinks. It's the West End of London so I'm not sure why people complain about it being too expensive. Do people really expect Poundland prices when they come here? Do your research beforehand and plan it into your budget.
We got into our seats in the stalls just after 7pm. The show was due to start at 7.30pm but it didn't actually start until 7.50pm. What's even more annoying is that they were allowing latecomers in until beyond 8pm. This was really annoying as people in front kept having to stand up to let latecomers into their seats. It wasn't just the odd one either, there were a lot of late arrivals. This ruined the first 15 minutes of the show for us with people in front having to keep standing up. It's not acceptable. They should not be allowing people in who can't be bothered to get there on time. Arriving at 8.05pm for a show due to start at 7.30 isn't on at all.
The actual theatre itself is a beautiful building and the show was amazing. Theatre staff were very polite and friendly. It's just a shame the organisation is chaotic. Get some managers in who know what they're doing and it could be great. We went to Her Majesty's Theatre last month to watch Phantom of the Opera and we didn't experience any of the problems we experienced here.
Written 24 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scato184
Leicester, UK7 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
We arrived 90 minutes prior to the excellent performance as strongly recommended on the theatres website only to be held in the royal circle bar area for 30 minutes or more. The area was overcrowded with people squeezing through to get served at the bar or go to the downstairs toilets. A large number of people chose not to wear any face coverings whilst in this overcrowded room. The theatres website indicates that theatre goers would be seated and theatre staff would serve snacks and drinks straight to your seating area. I wish we had turned up 20 minutes before the start of the show so I was not stressed with overcrowding anxiety that spoilt a long anticipated great night out for my birthday.
I don't think the theatre should recommend that people arrive before the seating area is available and be forced into a confined space and potentially unsafe situation. If people want to turn up early by personal choice then that is a different matter.
The show was magical, and the performers body language of the animal being portrayed added to the performance. Well done to all the production team for a rememberable show.
I don't think the theatre should recommend that people arrive before the seating area is available and be forced into a confined space and potentially unsafe situation. If people want to turn up early by personal choice then that is a different matter.
The show was magical, and the performers body language of the animal being portrayed added to the performance. Well done to all the production team for a rememberable show.
Written 12 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan H
Southam, UK128 contributions
Aug 2022
Beautiful theatre and super helpful staff. Unfortunately despite the theatre guide on suitability for children and age the family behind us decided to bring their young son, around three or four who consistently talked through the performance, kicking the back of my Great Nieces chair or sitting on the steps playing around/talking to his mother. It’s not cheap going to the theatre and I would urge the theatre management to put in place more stringent age entrances for young children it certainly caused us concern having that racket going on directly behind us.
The cast of the Lion King were simply amazing.
The cast of the Lion King were simply amazing.
Written 7 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
distantdreamer
London520 contributions
Oct 2021
We took our grandchildren to a matinee performance on Sunday and after reading recent reviews were rather concerned. We were told to arrive an hour and a half before the performance but actually arrived with just over an hour to go. The queue went down the side of the building but moved very quickly. Covid check was done in a minute and we were inside within 10 minutes. We were told the theatre would open in around 10 minutes and we made our way upstairs to look at the very over priced merchandise!! There was plenty of room to walk around, no crowding and we quickly went to our seats. We went prepared for it to be hot but luckily the temperature was fine so fans were not needed! The show was late starting by about 20 minutes, but we enjoyed the atmosphere. We were in the royal circle, row L and had a very clear view of the stage. Booster seats were available for the grandchildren. There were long queues as expected for the loos during the interval, but they moved quickly. It was a great show and the grandchildren thought it was amazing, so a great day out.
Written 12 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizz
Watford, UK60 contributions
Feb 2020
Waited for years to see this show and finally made it. It was worth the wait!
The incredible way the animal characters are portrayed, the way they come down alongside you through the aisles the whole thing is totally absorbing and mesmerising. The actors were truly amazing, taking on the characteristics and personalities and their voices singing the musical numbers were just lovely.
The theatre itself is full of character too - smaller than I thought it would be so the view was great. The theatre staff were friendly including the security staff who did their checks very efficiently without rummaging through my belongings.
Totally loved the show - many thanks to everyone involved in it for giving us such a memorable experience 😊
The incredible way the animal characters are portrayed, the way they come down alongside you through the aisles the whole thing is totally absorbing and mesmerising. The actors were truly amazing, taking on the characteristics and personalities and their voices singing the musical numbers were just lovely.
The theatre itself is full of character too - smaller than I thought it would be so the view was great. The theatre staff were friendly including the security staff who did their checks very efficiently without rummaging through my belongings.
Totally loved the show - many thanks to everyone involved in it for giving us such a memorable experience 😊
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Perfect Spread
England, UK246 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Love this theatre and love this show! Staff are super nice and know what they’re doing. Easy to navigate around so no need to keep asking someone where this and that is. Lion King is an amazing show and I’d always see it again, as it is I’ve been 4 times now I think over the 20 years and it’s just as good as ever!
First time my girlfriend has seen it after years of wanting to and she was so amazed by it, she absolutely loved it! Plus she cried of happiness at the start and end; when she cried at the end the guys on stage saw and baby Nala made a heart to her with her fingers and adult Nala clapped her and even started to get teary herself haha! Great night out!!!
First time my girlfriend has seen it after years of wanting to and she was so amazed by it, she absolutely loved it! Plus she cried of happiness at the start and end; when she cried at the end the guys on stage saw and baby Nala made a heart to her with her fingers and adult Nala clapped her and even started to get teary herself haha! Great night out!!!
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mukhasben
South Shields, UK3,975 contributions
Apr 2022
On our trip to london, one of the highlights we’d looked forward too, (myself, sister in law, and two teenage daughters) was the Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre. We’d had to prebook and yes, it wasn’t cheap, but it was a one off treat so we’re determined to enjoy it even if two drinks, crisps and 2 soft drinks cost £30!
We were all surprised how small it was inside but happily the seats weren’t like the ones we’ve suffered in older theatres across the country. It was really smart and classy inside. The show was absolutely brilliant and a great night was had by all.
We were all surprised how small it was inside but happily the seats weren’t like the ones we’ve suffered in older theatres across the country. It was really smart and classy inside. The show was absolutely brilliant and a great night was had by all.
Written 14 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip B
8 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Great musical. Amazing performance. I loved it!
However, when we visited in October last year (2021), when covid-19 restrictions were still in place, the theatres covid management was very bizarre!
We were instructed to arrive at least 1 hour before the evening performance start time, and so we queued outside in the cold with many others.
When the doors finally opened, the theatre staff directed everyone to the main lobby, where a very large number of people (in excess of 200 people) were crammed into a very small area in the lobby. So no covid precautions anymore! There was only one female toilet available, again with large queues. So, again, no covid precautions put in place.
Then we were all herded upstairs into the bar area, and not allowed into the auditorium. The bar area was even smaller than the lobby area, but (amazingly!) you could now spend money at the bar, as we were now a captive audience. Because, again, at least 200 people were squeezed into the small bar area, there was no consideration of covid precautions or safe distance management, despite all the blah about it in the instruction email sent before the performance!
Somebody somewhere, clearly didn't have a clue what they were doing on the night! But the email sounded good!!!
However, when we visited in October last year (2021), when covid-19 restrictions were still in place, the theatres covid management was very bizarre!
We were instructed to arrive at least 1 hour before the evening performance start time, and so we queued outside in the cold with many others.
When the doors finally opened, the theatre staff directed everyone to the main lobby, where a very large number of people (in excess of 200 people) were crammed into a very small area in the lobby. So no covid precautions anymore! There was only one female toilet available, again with large queues. So, again, no covid precautions put in place.
Then we were all herded upstairs into the bar area, and not allowed into the auditorium. The bar area was even smaller than the lobby area, but (amazingly!) you could now spend money at the bar, as we were now a captive audience. Because, again, at least 200 people were squeezed into the small bar area, there was no consideration of covid precautions or safe distance management, despite all the blah about it in the instruction email sent before the performance!
Somebody somewhere, clearly didn't have a clue what they were doing on the night! But the email sounded good!!!
Written 20 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alan
Swadlincote, UK2 contributions
Jan 2020
Don't make any errors when booking tickets online. The Theatre has a policy of no refunds, no transfers, no credit voucher. If you cannot honour the exact details of what you book online - bad luck. No show and lose your money
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Looking at travelling from Margate by train. Can someone advise which train station is the nearest? I need to avoid the tube /underground and just use the train. Thanks
Written 19 February 2024
Can you take bottled water and snacks of your own into the theatre ? So not having to pay their extortionate prices???
Written 5 December 2023
Can anyone recommend a nice restaurant near the theatre please?
Written 28 June 2023
The area around the theatre is very nice and there are several nice looking restaurants. I can not recommend as It was late and I had to get back to my hotel ... but it looks good
Written 30 June 2023
Looking at booking lion king and the seats would be the stalls row v seat 18 and 19. Has anyone sat in the stalls? If so would you recommend
Written 8 November 2021
The Stalls is the section that is more or less on the same level as the actual stage. The view is pretty awesome
Written 15 December 2021
Can you still get the binoculars to use to watch the show we have booked but sitting at the back so wanted to know if these are still available please
Written 17 October 2021
Do we still need to arrive 90 mins before the show?
Written 22 September 2021
hello we are looking at booking the Box A has anybody sat there and is it really restricted or is it ok as you can move your chairs?
Written 5 September 2021
I am thinking of driving to the show at 7.30 PM. Is it problematic with the street parking on Wed night please?
Written 7 August 2021
Good day. Would someone tell me when the groups of children attend the show. Is it mostly the 2:30 afternoon show or is it the 7:30 evening show. Thanks.
Written 23 March 2020
I went in the evening and there were children present. Depending on their age, it could be quite a late night though, so I would go for the matinee performance. Check before you buy tickets as think there is a minimum age requirement.
Written 24 March 2020
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