The Lyceum Theatre has a history dating back to 1765, when it was situated in a building adjacent to its current site. It hosted music, dance and other entertainments. Philip Astley’s circus became resident there for a while and the first waxworks exhibition by Madam Tussaud was hosted there in 1802. The theatre moved to its present site in 1834 and has had many refurbishments since.
Legendary actor Sir Henry Irving appeared in many Shakespeare productions in the latter half of the 19th Century. Bram Stoker worked at the theatre at the time and it is said that Henry Irving was Stoker’s inspiration for the character of Count Dracula.
In the 20th Century, many large bands played gigs at The Lyceum Theatre, including The Clash, Bob Marley and the Wailers, Led Zeppelin and Queen. Later in the century, the venue hosted several large musicals including Jesus Christ Superstar and Oklahoma!.
