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Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

LYCEUM THEATRE


 CLICK HERE TO BUY
THE SHOW SOUNDTRACK
The lion King - Original Broadway
Cast CD

 CLICK HERE for The Lion King - Online Shop
for souvenir brochure, soft toys, mugs, hats, T-Shirts and more!

THE LION KING  (musical)
Audio described performance 16th August 2008 at 2pm (touch tour 12.30pm)
Captioned performance 31st August 2008 at 3pm

Kimba (sorry), Simba is the lion prince, promoted on the suspicious death of his father. A wicked uncle, aspirant lioness princess, and flatulent warthog get in on the act to round out the tails (sorry) tales of the African plain.

Please be aware that strobe lighting is used in this production.

Pictured:
Left: Leopard, Giraffes, Photographer: Catherine Ashmore. Copyright: Disney 

Right: Photographer: Catherine Ashmore. Copyright: Disney 
NOTE: These photographs MUST NOT be used on other websites without permission of Disney and the photographer. Any breach of this rule will be reported to the copyright owner.

Click here now to view video clips from this show


 

Theatremonkey Opinion:

No fan of the movie (derivative and frankly borderline racist in theatremonkey's opinion), the stage version held even less appeal.

On the plus side the anthropomorphism is a step up from 'Cats', with some stunning costume design allowing herds of animals to be portrayed by a single talented dancer. An effective scenic design and awesome lighting plot create a very real environment, better than any cartoon.

So the scene is right. The book just isn't. The same witless story is stretched by adding just serviceable John / Rice numbers to a set this monkey was already sick of from the film release. 

Go see it and make up your own mind. 

 

Your Reviews: Add your own by clicking here.
Important: Some reviews below can contain "spoilers" - please don't read if this bothers you!

The latest five are posted below, and for earlier ones, please click here.
___________________

One reader notes that,
" I just can't get over the way you are processed through the souvenir shop at the Lyceum (for the Lion King). It's a major mine field if you have children, or even worse, some one else's children who are just pester agents."

Brin.

Worth knowing, thinks the monkey, who suggests blindfolds might be a solution!
_________________

I took two coaches to Lion King about 4 years ago and we sat in the Stalls about 1/3rd back from the stage which was perfect. It was electric, vibrant, and exciting. Most of the group really liked it, some thought it the best show they had ever seen. We liked it so much we had to take our grandchildren . It cost an arm and a leg but we had stall seats on the left side and the look on our six year old grand-daughters face at her first London theatre show when the elephant walked past was worth the ticket price on it's own. It was even more magical than the first time and the perfect days outing for us, a day that will stand out in our memories as one of the best ever.

Yesterday (June 2007) I saw the show again, sitting in the back of the Dress Circle. The seats in row L are comfortable and there is sufficient leg room for even me at 6' 2" but we were so far from the stage we couldn't see faces or expressions and the public involvement with the action is only for those in the stalls so you feel deprived in the circle. When you are quite close in the stalls you can make yourself look at the characters heads and believe in them. From the back of the circle you are mainly aware of the actor working the character which is not the same. At times I lost attention and even felt a little bored, however I put it down to the thought that you can't repeat a perfect experience and we did not have the best seats as we did before so there really was no comparison.

However on reading some of the comments on this website it seems many other felt the same as me in that some of the singing was not great (rather on the harsh side) and the jokes have been gone through so many times that they have lost their humour. I got the feeling they were just going through the motions yet again.

Perhaps it is just one of those shows that you should only see once (or twice in our case) and perhaps it is mainly the repeat customers who don't enjoy it as much as the first time. I don't think it lends itself to repeats in the way that Les Mis, Chicago, or The Sound of Music do .

I do have enough people who want to see Lion King to take a coach party again, so perhaps I should just book it and let them make up their own mind but I do think it has perhaps run it's course - though I hope my group will prove me wrong.
________________

Went to the 30th of June 2007 evening performance of 'The Lion King,' and after all the praise I had heard for it was extremely disappointed. We were in Upper Circle row M seats 36 to 39 and the view was fine.

The lad playing Young Simba was dreadfully out of tune at some points and was drowned out by the audience at some points. A lot of the other actors/actresses were drowned out as well, apart from Rafiki, who had an absolutely amazing voice.

Found the effects pretty bad after all I had heard. Not sure if something went wrong during Mufassa's death but it just looked stupid, if you hadn't seen the film you wouldn't have known he fell from a rock. He ran up to it and just stood there and lifted his arm up. Scar then appeared and Mufassa just ran into the middle of the thing and fell. Must say the costumes were very clever, although didn't like the Timon costume as I felt the bright green distracted from the puppet.

Good for young kids, but just not my thing.
____________________

Saw 'The Lion King' on Saturday 21st July 2007, matinee performance. This is the third time I’ve seen the show and thought it was still magical. The performances were great – all the lead characters were spot on. No problems with sound at all.

We sat in the stalls Row A seats 13, 14 and 15. I felt a little sorry for the lady in A12 who did have the conductor’s head in her way. The main issue with being so close is that you miss some of the “low-down” action e.g. when the characters are lying down or crouching. I also saw the stage hands 3 or 4 times which wasn’t good!! If I went again, I would sit in the centre stalls about 6 to 10 rows back.

Terry Hurley
____________________

Saw this on Thursday 23rd August 2007. Sat in seats J11 and 12 in the stalls. Excellent seats. Great legroom, superb view and you are next to the aisle in the centre block which means the animals parade past you at various points in the performance. Once again Theatremonkey's green seat recommendation is spot on. There really is only one place to see this show and that is from the stalls.

One moan - 4 bottles of beer (one each before the performance one each for the interval) £16!! Obscene! How can they justify charging that? Having already paid £55 each for seats that is just disgusting - although I know that all West End theatres continue to rip off their audiences with drink prices.

Also another word about the theatre - we both thought it was in top condition although I have never sat in either circle so I can't comment about them.

What can I say! Took a friend of mine who has never seen a West End show and she was blown away by the costumes and the sheer ingenuity of the animals.

This was my seventh visit having seen it in London and on Broadway. This was the best performance I have ever seen of this show. The whole thing was flawless. From the start when Africa is brought vividly and brilliantly to life, through the songs with wonderful singing and the African chants which add so much to the show itself and finally the end when Simba reclaims his kingdom - for the first time was in tears at the end. The company really were on top of their game. In particular the actress playing Rafiki was incredible - both presence, performance and voice. Timon and Pumba were the funniest I have ever seen them - Timon in particular. Saw the understudy for Scar who was excellent.

The opening when you see the giraffes for the first time and the moment Mufasa's face appears during 'He Lives In You' during the second act made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. It was as mesmerising as always. The advertising says there is nothing else like it and that is so true. A fantastic theatrical experience.
___________________

Saw the show on Thursday 20th December 2007. Seats H7 and H8 were fine.

Really enjoyed the imagination on display, costumes etc, and the "African" songs and singing. But why does the theatre employ a deaf sound engineer? Without exception the sound system distorted the singer's voices in every single song, particularly when they get to the bit where they like to belt the number out (and every one of EJ's songs has a moment like this!). Worst of all, this means that you can hardly hear a word of the Time Rice's lyrics. What a pity!
 

 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Performance Schedule:
The monkey advises checking performance times on your tickets and that performances are happening as scheduled, before travelling.

Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30 pm
Wednesday and Saturday at 2 and 7.30 pm
Sunday at 3 pm

runs 2 hours 45 minutes including a 20 minute interval.


 

Ticket Prices:

Offers May be available - Click Here

View this information in diagram form

Tuesday to Thursday Evenings, plus Wednesday Afternoons EXCEPT any "peak date" performances:
Stalls:
Central block
Rows B to G and L to V: £53
Rows H, J and K: £65.50
Row W and row A seats 6 to 17 only: £45.50
Rows X to ZA: £35.50

Side blocks
Full view rows B to T (except rows S and T 1 to 4 and 43 to 46): £53
Full view rows U to Z plus row A 4, 5, 18, 19 and rows S and T 1 to 4 and 43 to 46: £45.50
Full view rows X to ZA: £35.50

Restricted view stalls seats
Row A 1, 2, 3, 20, 21, 22, row B 1, 2, 3, 25, 26, 27, C and D 1, 2, 28, 29, E and F 1, 2, 31, 32, G 1, 2, 33, 34, H and J 1, 2, 34, 35, K 1, 2, 36, 37, L 1, 2, 37, 38, M 1, 2, 39, 40: £35.50

Dress Circle
Centre Block:
Rows A to K: £53
Row L: £45.50
Rows M and N: £35.50
Restricted view row P: £28

Side blocks:
Rows A to H: £53
Rows J to L: £45.50
Rows M and N: £35.50
Restricted view row P: £28
row AA £20.50
 

Upper Circle
Rows A to F clear view: £35.50 
Rows G to K: £28
Rows L and M: £20.50

Restricted View Upper Circle
Row A 1, 2, 46, 47, row B 1, 2, 48, 49, row C 1, 2, 48, 49 all £20.50
Rows A and D seats 14, 15 and 33, 34; and Rows B and C seats 15, 16 and 33, 34 all £20.50 


Boxes C and D £28 per seat, G, H, J, K £20.50 per seat
Standing £13

ALL Friday Evenings and Sunday Afternoons:
Stalls:
Central block
Rows B to G and L to V: £55.50
Rows H, J and K: £70.50
Row W and row A seats 6 to 17 only: £48
Rows X to ZA: £38

Side blocks
Full view rows B to T (except rows S and T 1 to 4 and 43 to 46): £55.50
Full view rows U to Z plus row A 4, 5, 18, 19 and rows S and T 1 to 4 and 43 to 46: £48
Full view rows X to ZA: £38

Restricted view stalls seats
Row A 1, 2, 3, 20, 21, 22, row B 1, 2, 3, 25, 26, 27, C and D 1, 2, 28, 29, E and F 1, 2, 31, 32, G 1, 2, 33, 34, H and J 1, 2, 34, 35, K 1, 2, 36, 37, L 1, 2, 37, 38, M 1, 2, 39, 40: £38

Dress Circle
Centre Block:
Rows A to K: £55.50
Row L: £48
Rows M and N: £38
Restricted view row P: £30.50

Side blocks:
Rows A to H: £55.50
Rows J to L: £48
Rows M and N: £38
Restricted view row P: £30.50
row AA £23
 

Upper Circle
Rows A to F clear view: £38
Rows G to K: £30.50 
Rows L and M: £23

Restricted View Upper Circle
Row A 1, 2, 46, 47, row B 1, 2, 48, 49, row C 1, 2, 48, 49 all £23
Rows A and D seats 14, 15 and 33, 34; and Rows B and C seats 15, 16 and 33, 34 all £23


Boxes C and D £28 per seat, G, H, J, K £23 per seat
Standing £13

 

Saturday Afternoons and Evenings ONLY:
Stalls:
Central block
Rows B to G and L to V: £59.50
Rows H, J and K: £75.50
Row W and row A seats 6 to 17 only: £49.50
Rows X to ZA: £40.50

Side blocks
Full view rows B to T (except rows S and T 1 to 4 and 43 to 46): £59.50
Full view rows U to Z plus row A 4, 5, 18, 19 and rows S and T 1 to 4 and 43 to 46: £49.50
Full view rows X to ZA: £40.50

Restricted view stalls seats
Row A 1, 2, 3, 20, 21, 22, row B 1, 2, 3, 25, 26, 27, C and D 1, 2, 28, 29, E and F 1, 2, 31, 32, G 1, 2, 33, 34, H and J 1, 2, 34, 35, K 1, 2, 36, 37, L 1, 2, 37, 38, M 1, 2, 39, 40: £40.50

Dress Circle
Centre Block:
Rows A to K: £59.50
Row L: £49.50
Rows M and N: £40.50
Restricted view row P: £30.50

Side blocks:
Rows A to H: £59.50
Rows J to L: £49.50
Rows M and N: £40.50
Restricted view row P: £30.50
row AA £23
 

Upper Circle
Rows A to F clear view: £40.50 
Rows G to K: £30.50
Rows L and M: £23

Restricted View Upper Circle
Row A 1, 2, 46, 47, row B 1, 2, 48, 49, row C 1, 2, 48, 49 all £23
Rows A and D seats 14, 15 and 33, 34; and Rows B and C seats 15, 16 and 33, 34 all £23


Boxes C and D £28 per seat, G, H, J, K £23 per seat
Standing £13

 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here


Buying Tickets Through the Venue:

More Ticket Buying Options

Tickets offered differ between outlets. Outlets also may offer different seats via their phone and online systems.
Theatre Box Office:
Telephone: 0844 844 0005
( 0161 385 3211 if you cannot use the 0870 number)
Operated by Ticketmaster on behalf of the venue.

Online: Ticketmaster provide the service for this theatre.
If you are unhappy with the tickets offered, keep re-selecting using the "Back" button on your browser, NOT the "reselect button" on the page.

Other Online Booking Options: click here.

Booking fees per ticket for telephone and online bookings:
£2.30 per ticket. This keeps Mickey happy.

Online, you can also sometimes opt for the "Ticketfast" service on the Ticketmaster site for an EXTRA £1.50. This system that lets you print your OWN tickets, on your OWN computer without waiting for the postal worker to deliver. Your choice whether to pay for this convenience...

For personal callers or by post: Wellington Street, London. WC2E 7DA
No booking fee for personal callers. Open to personal callers from 10am until 8pm Tuesday to Saturday (until 6pm on Mondays and other days when there are no performances) and 12 noon until 3.30pm on Sundays when there are performances.

Special Access Needs Customers:
Wheelchair users and other registered disabled theatregoers can book their seats on 020 7420 8113 and enquire about concessionary prices that may be available to them. The wheelchair users line connects directly to the theatre box office in London. This number is NOT available for general bookings. See Notes.

www.thelionking.co.uk is the official show website. It is available in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Swedish and Japanese language editions. This site also allows you to see the view from seats in every section of the auditorium - an outstanding and very easy to use feature.

www.livenation.co.uk is the official theatre website.

 

More Ticket Buying Options: Using S.T.A.R. genuine ticket agencies.
Tickets offered differ between outlets. Outlets also may offer different seats via their phone and online systems. Offers May be available - Click Here

When the theatre does not have the tickets you desire available, it is well worth trying the Theatremonkey Ticketshop agency, which offers £53 tickets with a £5.30 fee (£5.55 on £55.50 and £5.95 on £59.50 seats). Moderate by agency standards, though higher than box office fees, worth trying as they often have an alternative choice of seats available! Simply select the show from the "drop down" menu in the centre of the page. Note that this system will confirm exact seat numbers prior to purchase.

Another alternative is www.seetickets.com / telephone 0870 830 0200 which offers seats with a 10% per ticket booking fee and £1.60 per booking (not per ticket) postal charge until 28th September 2008.

Encore Tickets offer £59 seats with a £15 booking fee per ticket (£13.50 on £55.50, £12.50 on £53, £11.50 on £48, £11 on £45.50, £9 on £38, £8.50 on £35.50, £6.50 on £28 seats from 29th April 2008 onwards) - plus optional UK postage of £1 per booking, not per ticket, available if time allows. "Meal and Show" packages may also be available. Quality and Value hotel / theatre ticket packages are also available.

Other Independent S.T.A.R. ticket agencies may also offer an alternative choice of seats.
 

 
 
Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Theatre Seat Opinions:
Please remember that cheaper seats often do not offer the same view / location quality as top price ones, and that ticket prices are designed to reflect this difference.

Seating Plan Diagram

Stalls Dress Circle Upper Circle Notes
STALLS 
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row R, the view of the top of the stage is affected from row T. In addition the ceiling is low and painted dull purple making a gloomy atmosphere in the back stalls.

The stalls are split into a large centre block and two narrow side blocks by aisles.

The centre block offers good value in all seats from rows A to P. One reader notes, however, that there is now a problem with seat A9:
"seat 9 (just in the middle) was right behind the conductor. I couldn’t see nearly anything! It felt like a rip-off".

The notes also continue that:
"The 2 or 3 first rows are too close to the stage."

though in contrast two other readers feels that,

"We sat on the 2nd row. Possibly might have got a better overall view from the dress circle but you certainly felt part of the show being so near".

"Theatremonkey seating plan says A9 is not good due to the view of the conductor but seated just one seat to the side of this I could not see this as being a major problem. The head of the conductor is in view for all Row A and B seats in the centre section for some part, but it's not too bad." 

In July 2007, another reader notes,
"I felt a little sorry for the lady in A12 who did have the conductor’s head in her way. We sat in the stalls Row A seats 13, 14 and 15... The main issue with being so close is that you miss some of the “low-down” action e.g. when the characters are lying down or crouching. I also saw the stage hands 3 or 4 times which wasn’t good!! If I went again, I would sit in the centre stalls about 6 to 10 rows back."

Sounds like the conductor moves around, something to watch for, warns the monkey.

The monkey rated the first three rows highly, but recognises the other comments as equally valid. While it felt rows A to C worthwhile, this is obviously a case for many to make up their own minds! Oddly, when it sat in A9, there was no conductor there...or maybe it just didn't notice a problem...still, live theatre changes all the time and it is grateful for the latest information. Without a conductor, though, maybe it wouldn't be as much of a musical!

Row A seats 4 to 19 have been dropped to second price to allow for the fact you look up at the stage. The monkey feels that those well clear of the conductor are notable value at this price - and A 12 to 17 are the pick of these. Perhaps not suiting those who dislike looking directly upwards, but for everyone else...

A gentle slope begins about row C, and is more noticeable from row E back, though children may still prefer an aisle seat as it won't help them much.

Readers Messrs Colin and Asa Mccarthy-Burton report:
"Our tickets were just off the aisle in the stalls centre block on row E, well what a fantastic view we had!! Lots of legroom and a perfect view". 

Reader Andy says,
"I recommend getting seats as close to the front as possible to really appreciate this show. We were in Row H of the stalls which was perfect."

another reader agrees,
"Seats H7 and H8 were fine."

Another reader comments,
"Sat in seats J11 and 12 in the stalls. Excellent seats. Great legroom, superb view and you are next to the aisle in the centre block which means the animals parade past you at various points in the performance. Once again Theatremonkey's green seat recommendation is spot on. There really is only one place to see this show and that is from the stalls."

Centre block seats in rows H to K are sold as "Premium" - at a higher price. One way to guarentee an outstanding view, if you are happy to pay it, thinks the monkey.

Rows Q to T are fair but far from the stage for the money (worth considering on Wednesday Afternoons), though reader Caroline notes,
"We sat in the middle of Row Q which I would definitely recommend."

Rows U and V at top price may be tending a little more expensive too.

Row W is second price and much more worthwhile than the more expensive row in front, feels the monkey.  The view is average here, but the ambience is miserable.

At third price, row X away from the sound desk looks a better deal. Row X seats 23 to 33, row Y 22 and 23, Z 20 and 21 and ZA 18 and 19 should be avoided as they are around the sound control desk and so have distractions during the production. If you are willing to put up with this, though, the price is fairly attractively reduced by up to £10 savings at all performances in these seats - a welcome move, notes the monkey.

It is also worth noting that Dress Circle rows M and N are the same price as X back - your call, feels the monkey, who feels the Dress Circle view for the same money is far back but has a better rake over seats in front than the stalls do - worth considering if you have younger monkeys in the group.

Wheelchairs have spaces in the side and centre blocks in row P. The view is acceptable. See notes. Transfer is possible to any stalls aisle seat.

The side blocks are narrow and mostly located outside the proscenium arch. The two seats closest to the central aisles in rows A to J are fine, and from row K to P the viewing angle is sufficient to consider these seats over seats farther back in the centre block. Rows R to ZA are little colonies with access ways in front. The view is distant from the stage and the seats feel isolated from the action. Take S to W only if nothing better is offered, and note that from X back they are much cheaper, and perhaps worth a thought if you can't get more central tickets for the money (take Dress Circle rows M and N before these, though).

Side block row U back is cheaper, as are extreme ends of rows S and T. The monkey would take the nearest central aisle seats in U first, then V (if centre block isn't available at the same price).

The ends of rows A to M are sold at restricted view prices. The end two seats in rows C to L, and the end 3 in rows A and B all drop to third price. Take G to J first, then J, K then L, then M or F. The distance from the stage lessens the restriction slightly. Then consider E and rows forward - though bear in mind the further forward you go, the less you see. Some may want to take row ZA before rows C, B and A.

Reader "Hoodlum" reports:
We got restricted seats F31 and 32 and it really wasn't too bad. You miss a bit of the action that is taking place on the extreme left of the stage but this only happens in two scenes. The opening and closing, because so many people are on stage. it is thrilling to be in the stalls because you are involved in the action. I had a singer come right next to my seat and tap it with his stick! The tickets cost about £32 - considering full price is £47.50 (then), I felt that restricted view in Lion King was not all that bad."

Another reader comments that they felt the end seats were not really "restricted view", more just cheap because they are at the extreme ends of the row.

Legroom is good in rows E to ZA, adequate in rows A to D, and outstanding in row N seats 1 to 5 and 52 to 60 which have aisles in front.

Stalls Boxes
One either side of the theatre. These have a side view, which one reader is keen on, preferring them to Dress Circle boxes. They are actually above the stalls, not at the same level.

The seating is on chairs, which can be moved around.

 

 

DRESS CIRCLE 
Called the ROYAL CIRCLE in this theatre.

The Upper Circle overhangs this at row C, making the top of the stage invisible from row J back.

Aisles split these seats into a central and two side blocks. A reader notes that the two centre aisles have metal bars at the end, affecting the view slightly in row A, seats 12, 13, 25 and 26. The steep rake mean these are not so much of a problem in the equivalent seats of row B.

Reader Michelle warns, though:
"We paid top price for 4 front row (A) Dress Circle seats in the centre for ourselves and our two children. As you state, there is a bar running along the edge here which does slightly restrict the view if sat right back in your seat, but what we found worse was the light gantry which protrudes from the font centre of the dress circle. This comes out so far that short people (like me) and my two children had to sit forward in our seats all the way through (to constant tutting from people behind!) so that we could see the performance otherwise our view of the entire front part of the stage was totally masked. Very disappointing."

another reader noticed it too,
"From Row B seats 27 and 28, the view was extremely good and could see everything clearly. The people in the first row of the Dress Circle may have a problem seeing due to something sticking out the front of the circle."
 

One reader notes that he prefers the view from the front Dress Circle to that in the same priced stalls, another felt that,
"I had a perfect view from the centre of row F. Worth paying top price for". 

Reader Pam Coombs endorses this,
"Our seats were perfect in the centre of Row F Royal Circle, 17, 18 and 19."

Reader Richard Sellens says,
"My view from Row C in the Dress Circle was great and at one point I also had a cast member singing near me!!!"

The central block offers clear views and fair value back to row H. From row J back the view is affected by the overhang of the Circle above. Row P suffers especially from this. If you are a purist who likes to see the very top of the proscenium arch, avoid. Some also feel that rows M to P feel a long way from the stage. Choose rear stalls over these.

A reader comments,
"The seats in row L are comfortable and there is sufficient leg room for even me at 6' 2" but we were so far from the stage we couldn't see faces or expressions and the public involvement with the action is only for those in the stalls so you feel deprived in the circle. When you are quite close in the stalls you can make yourself look at the characters heads and believe in them. From the back of the circle you are mainly aware of the actor working the character which is not the same."

On the plus side, rows M and N behind are now much cheaper, reflecting this.

One reader, though, feels differently. A real fan of row P, his comment is that:
"From row P, they say it is restricted view as during "Can You Feel..." you miss about a minute of the ariel ballet because of the overhang of the other circle above it. I think they are a bit of a bargain, though, as the main actors etc are on stage during this minute anyway. Children will see the ballet from here - it is just taller people will miss out".

The side blocks also offer a clear view from all seats. The first and last four seats in each row, should be avoided or considered last for being on the sides of the block - small children in particular could miss parts of the show from the very endmost seats. The same notes as for the centre block apply about the best rows.

Rows J and K in the side blocks drop a price. The monkey likes the idea of seats J 9 to 11 and 33 to 35 and K 7 to 9 and 34 to 36 in these rows - similar view to the central block, but cheaper and a bit further forward than other tickets at the same price.

The rake is very steep in this circle making the back row seem a long way from the stage. Since the circle itself is towards the rear of the theatre it feels a long way from the stage even in the front row. Theatremonkey prefers the stalls for the same cost.

Legroom is fairly cramped in row A, acceptable for most in other seats, though choose the stalls if over five foot eight tall. One reader felt that row K was cramped, for example, though another in row L found it comfortable even for someone 6ft 2 tall. 

 

Dress Circle Boxes
Two either side of the theatre, between stage and circle. They were originally not sold, then just two seats of a possible six were placed on sale at restricted view price.

On the plus side, you pay for what you get - a view of about two thirds of the stage, for two thirds of the price. You may also be joined by cast members fooling about. On the negative side, well, they had a good reason for not selling these seats before, so why are they doing it now? Ask this before buying. The monkey likes the legroom, but is not keen on the view. A reader feels that if you want a box, C and D in the stalls are a better bet.

The seating is on chairs, which can be moved around.

Boxes G, H, J and K are a possible discount choice over other restricted view seats in the Upper Circle or full view seats in the Grand Circle. For those willing to share the box with actors...and lose a little view, the monkey thinks the seats may build a cult following at the new price.

 

UPPER CIRCLE
Called the GRAND CIRCLE in this theatre.

This circle is very high above the ground and steeply raked enough to induce vertigo in many people. Normally, this is as they make their way down to their seats and most find that, once seated, they become used to the height.

A metal bar runs across the front of this circle affecting the view slightly in row A. 

Double bars at the ends of the aisles affect seats A 14, 15, B 15, 16, C 15, 16, D 14, 15, A 33, 34, B 34, 35, C 25, 34 and D 33, 34 enough to have the price reduced. These seats are average value.

Reader Roxana comments of these,
"We sat in seats 33 and 34, row A of the Upper ( top) Circle. These are marked as partially restricted view ( lowest price ) because they have a rail in front of them. We just leaned on the ( dirty) rail , and the view was perfect, though high up. Not worth it to buy any other seats in the same level at a more expensive price because we had the same view as everyone else. From reading the reviews, it seems as though the viewers who sat in the stalls had a better impression of the play than I did at the top. From up there, we could see layers of dirt and dust on all the wall stucco ornaments and the whole thing looked very shabby. The velvet on the rail was torn to pieces."

As in the Dress Circle, aisles split these seats into a central and two side blocks. The central block offers clear views and fair value back to row G. From row H back the rake angle is noticeably steep and it feels a long way down and also far from the stage. Value for money is still fair - better now row H is cheaper.

The side blocks as usual offer a clear view from all except the first and last four seats in each row, which should be avoided. If paying full price, opt for the centre block as you will get better views for the same cash. The same notes as for the centre block apply about the best rows. Row A 1, 47, row B 1, 2, 48, 49 and row C 1, 49 are felt by one reader to have a "sideways" view of the stage.

The rear rows in all blocks are reasonably priced for those on a budget, but a head for heights is advisable.

A reader notes that if those in the front row lean forward, you will be forced to do so too in order to see the whole stage.

Another reader comments that,

"In the Upper Circle, Row A. I could see the stage easily but I could see rather too much in that the effects were ruined by the fact that you could see how they were created. Given that I was at the front of the Upper Circle, I thought this was appalling. 

You could see the rollers the buffalos were on more clearly than the buffalos themselves. During the river scene, the fish were not visible but the people holding the cutouts and the lights very definitely were. And  the pad onto which the character jumped obvious for the whole piece.

I would certainly recommend not to go to Upper Circle. Seats may be cheaper but they are still a lot of money and these 'errors' reduced my enjoyment considerably."

Another reader says,
"Upper Circle row M seats 36 to 39 - the view was fine."

Legroom is poor in all seats, worst in row A. Those over five foot tall should consider end of row seats on the centre aisle which should provide some respite for one leg anyway.

Standing space is behind a fairly high wall with a bar on top, so is not suitable for children or those under 5ft 6 or so. Reader Chris May stood here, and reports: 

"WHAT A BARGAIN!! I stood in 'position 17' at the back of the Upper Circle and had a marvellous view of the stage. 

After bribing a small boy with a pound to use his binoculars I was able to stand back and watch the fantastic big set pieces that make this show so good unfold before my natural view, and when solo songs and speaky bits happened I could zoom in and look at the faces in detail. The only draw back from the standing tickets are that you are not close to all the stalls action that happens but you still see it all and you have to join in the applause simply for the arrival of the animals. 

One problem is that it is inevitable that when standing you may be next to annoying Japanese girls who don't understand ' no photos' and talk to one another a lot. Be firm with them and, if they don't shut up, make the ushers do some work. Also, due to the cheap (well cheaper) seats being at the back....school groups are inevitable. This cannot be helped so there is nowt you can do."

 

Notes
Total 2082 seats approx.

Air-conditioned auditorium.

This theatre takes incredible care to make the show accessible to everybody. All the information a disabled visitor could need is available at: http://www.disney.co.uk/MusicalTheatre/TheLionKing/disabledaccess/index.html - in much more detail than the monkey can provide. A brief summary, though, is: Infrared headsets available - 99% of the auditorium is covered by the system, as is the box office; signed and audio described performances occasionally. Large print and Braille programmes available. Braille script also available for reading at the theatre (contact the House Manager for details). Guide dogs can be dog sat, bowls of water are offered to them too. Wheelchair access is down a slope from a fire exit, not ideal but at least users get good seats in the auditorium on row P. Two disabled toilets available - gender segregated adapted toilets - ALMOST UNIQUE IN LONDON!!! Other theatres take note. This theatre gets it right.. Overall this is good going for the West End. For fuller details and to arrange facilities contact the Front Of House Manager on 020 7420 8100. To book wheelchair user and other registered disabled theatregoer tickets call 020 7420 8113. These numbers are NOT available for general bookings.

General theatregoing advice for the disabled is available from: www.theatre-access.co.uk, Artsline 020 7388 2227, email artsline@dircon.co.uk

No food except Ice cream and confectionery.

Four bars; one in the Stalls, Two in the Dress Circle and one on the Upper Circle level.

Two V.I.P. suites - the "White room" and "Red room" are also available for hire.

Toilets at Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle level.


 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Getting to this Theatre
Find this theatre on a Street Map. The arrow misses the theatre - it is the blue square on the Strand / Wellington Street!
Nearest Underground Station Buses Car Park
Nearest Underground Station:
Covent Garden - Piccadilly Line (dark blue).

Plan your tube journey to this station using the button below:
 

An ILLUSTRATED PHOTOGRAPHIC version of this route is available by clicking here.

For mobility impaired audience members, the Society of London Theatre provide a "photo map" - illustrated walking route to this venue from a near landmark and also Waterloo Station (the nearest fully accessible station) on their website www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk, via the theatre's listing page on that site.


On leaving the station, turn right and walk into the large pedestrian plaza that is Covent Garden. If you see a long road with cars in front of you, wrong way.

On entering the plaza space, turn to your left and walk along the collonaded area. If you see Tesco Metro Supermarket or a bank, Wrong way.

Keep walking ahead as far as the collonaded area will allow (it forms the outer part of the market Square). Follow it to the right or cut across it if it isn't raining. At the end of the building is Russell Street.

Walk along Russell Street, to the first crossroads. Take the street to the right, Wellington Street and walk down it. If you reach a street corner with the Drury Lane theatre ahead of you, or see no theatres at all (really!) wrong way. 

Keep walking downhill, crossing Tavistock Street. The Lyceum Theatre is the collonaded building ahead of you on the right side of the road, beyond the "Old Orleans" restaurant.
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Also useful to know is that also close to the theatre is Temple Station - Circle Line (yellow) and District Line (green). This is closed on Sundays and some other times, so check before using. 

Plan your tube journey to this station using the button below:
 

A photographic illustrated version of this route is available by clicking here.

If it is open, then leave the station turning left. If you see the river, wrong way!

Go up the steps and cross the road ahead of you. Keep walking straight on up Arundel Street (the road sloping upwards ahead of you).  Make sure you are on the left hand side pavement.

At the top of Arundel Street is "The Strand" and The Aldwych", a busy road intersection and cluster of buildings. You should not cross the road. Just turn to your left and walk down the Strand. 

Keep going until you come to another busy junction at the end of the buildings. Look to your right and the Lyceum Theatre is on the corner across some busy roads. Use the pedestrian crossings to get to it!

 

Buses:
6, 11, 13, 15, all stop on the Aldwych. Walk towards the Strand Theatre and cross the street next to it, walk on and the Lyceum is ahead of you on the right. If you pass the Duchess Theatre, wrong way. 

 

Car Park:
Parker Street, under the New London Theatre. Exit the Car Park and stand with your back to the main foyer of the theatre. Cross the road ahead of you and turn to your right. The street corner is there ahead of you. If not, wrong way. At the corner of the street, Turn left into Drury Lane and walk along it. If you pass the New London Theatre, wrong way.

Walk straight on, crossing Great Queen Street. Continue down Drury Lane. Please cross to the other side of the street and continue, crossing over Broad Court and Martlett Court until you come to a four way crossroads.

Turn to your right at these crossroads. Do not cross any street. Just walk ahead down Russell Street. Cross Crown Court and continue straight on, past the Fortune Theatre. Just past this theatre, change to the other side of the road, to the same side as the Drury Lane Theatre. Cross Catherine Street, the one in front of the Drury Lane Theatre. Do not walk down it. 

Walk on to the next corner and turn to your left to walk down Wellington Street. If you come to Covent Garden Piazza, too far.

Keep walking downhill, crossing Tavistock Street. The Lyceum Theatre is the collonaded building ahead of you on the right side of the road.


 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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