Lyric Hammersmith Announces Refurbishment of Main House Auditorium and Studio

The Lyric Hammersmith today announces plans to refurbish the theatre's 550 seat Victorian auditorium, which has not been fully refurbished since 1979, and to modernise its Studio Theatre. The theatre's Main House auditorium will temporarily close after Fatherland on 23 June 2018 and reopen on 5 October 2018 with the Lyric and HOME co-production, o t h e l l o m a c b e t h.

The Lyric reopened in April 2015 following a highly successful multi-million pound redevelopment that added a major new extension to the west of the main building, the Reuben Foundation Wing, and refurbished the foyer spaces. The refurbishment in 2015 did not include the Lyric's two performance spaces, which now require work to maintain safety; improve accessibility, audience comfort and experience; and preserve the heritage of the Frank Matcham designed Main House auditorium. In addition, as the Lyric's new business model evolves and mindful of the static funding environment, the Lyric has identified a number of smaller investments that will improve organisational sustainability through reducing energy use, maintaining technical standards in support of artistic excellence and enabling additional and essential commercial income generation going forward.

The Main House auditorium refurbishment will include plasterwork and ceiling repairs, and redecoration; replacement of seats with like for like (fully removable in the stalls to increase the number and vary the locations of access positions); replacement of carpets and book rail; new and upgraded lighting positions; new access doors with swipe-card security; and general redecoration.

The Studio will receive a modernisation and complete rewiring for the first time since its initial build in 1979, including installation of a higher capacity retractable seating stand to enable more flexible and intensive use of the space; installation of a low energy lighting grid and fixtures; repairs to floor and redecoration; installation of swipe-card security and remodelling of the existing entrance to add profile to the studio programme.

The project is estimated to cost a total of £780,000 which has been part funded by Arts Council England, Foyle Foundation, SUEZ Communities Trust, The Wolfson Foundation and the Lyric Hammersmith's own contribution. The Lyric are also launching a Name a Seat appeal which offers patrons the opportunity to have their own name on a seat plaque for a donation of £1,000 in the Main House or £500 in The Studio.

Sian Alexander, Executive Director at the Lyric said, "The Lyric plays a key role in the cultural and educational landscape of West London and beyond. The refurbishment of our performance spaces is a strategic investment in the Lyric's infrastructure looking after the building's extraordinary heritage, giving our audiences a first class experience and bringing our technical capabilities into the 21st century. It is part of our long-term plan to renew the Lyric for future generations."

Ticket booking Information

Tickets 020 8741 6850 | www.lyric.co.uk

Lyric Square, King Street, London, W6 0QL

About Lyric Hammersmith

The Lyric Hammersmith is one of the UK's leading producing theatres. For more than a hundred and twenty years it has been responsible for creating some of the UK's most adventurous and acclaimed theatrical work. It has also gained a national reputation for its work with and for children and young people and creates pathways into the arts for young talent from all backgrounds, helping to diversify our industry. Recent productions include our critically acclaimed annual pantomimes, the smash hit Bugsy Malone, the international tour and co-production with Filter Theatre of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Lesley Sharp in Simon Stephen's new version of Chekhov's The Seagull and the UK premiere of the international phenomenon Terror.

The Lyric's dual commitment to producing the highest quality contemporary theatre, whilst nurturing the creativity of young people is what makes it unique within the cultural ecology of the UK. It is a local theatre rooted in its community with a national and international reputation for the quality and innovation of its artistic work.

In April 2015 the Lyric reopened following a multi-million pound capital project, which saw the addition of the Reuben Foundation Wing housing state-of-the-art facilities for theatre, dance, film, music, digital and more. The 'new' Lyric is now the largest creative hub in West London and home to an innovative partnership of like-minded leading arts organisations who work together to deliver life-changing creative opportunities for thousands of young West Londoners.

www.lyric.co.uk