Lyceum Theatre. Samuel Beazley 1834 Wellington Street, Strand "This is one of the prettiest houses in London, and while large enough to enable the poetical drama, even in the case of the heaviest Shaksepeare play, to be effectively mounted, is not too large for the requirements of modern audiences. . . .Lobby accommodation is on an unusually handsome scale. The convenience and safety of the public, as well as the beauty of the house, were greatly enhanced by the extensiove alterations, which have been made by Mr. Irving at various times." -- Dickens's Dictionary of London 1888, p. 154. Photography by George P. Landow, 2000

Additional Commentary by Philip V. Allingham

Although built in 1765 to house exhibits such as waxworks, London's Lyceum Theatre did not become a "licensed" house until 1809 when Samuel Arnold, obtaining permission to stage opera and other musical dramas, renamed it The English Opera House. At a cost of £80,000 he rebuilt the theatre six years later, only to have it destroyed by fire in 1830. On 14 July 1834 a new Lyceum designed by Samuel Beazley opened with its main entrance now on Wellington Street. "The management of [Madame] Vestris and [Charles] Matthews (1847-55) was highlighted by the scenic marvels created for the staging of Planché's [fairy] extravaganzas" (Frederick and Lise-Lone Marker lv). The theatre's use of spectacular stage effects continued under the management of Charles Fechter (1863- 7).

References

Dickens, Charles. Dickens's Dictionary of London 1888. Moretonhampstead, Devon: Old House Books, 2001. [Information on this reprint of the guide to London written by the novelist's son.]

Last modified 6 December 2002