The Lyric Hammersmith has reopened after a £780,000 restoration of its historic theatre.
Three months of painstaking work saw the Lyric’s 550-seat Victorian auditorium refurbished and its smaller studio theatre modernised.
It was the first top-to-toe refit of the theatre space and studio since 1979 when the theatre was moved a short distance, brick by brick, from Bradmore Grove to its current home in King Street’s Lyric Square.
The venue was originally designed by Frank Matcham in late Victorian times, who also designed the Shepherds Bush Empire.
“The renovation works look amazing,” said Cllr Andrew Jones, H&F Cabinet Member for the Economy and the Arts.
“The Lyric is one of our most important theatres in the borough and it continues to produce world-class productions. It’s also a critical part of making H&F’s vibrant art, culture and creative scene even better.”
All the plasterwork and ceilings were restored, and seats upgraded with removable seating in the stalls to create a more versatile space.
The refurbishment was the latest phase in the Lyric’s award-winning multi-million pound expansion which has already seen the foyer redesigned and the Reuben Foundation wing added.
