“THE LYCEUM THEATRE, Wellington Street, Strand, is so called from a former house having been erected (1795) as a lyceum or academy for a society of artists. Garrick afterwards bought the lease with the view of preventing its being converted into a rival theatre. After this time it was enlarged and English operas were performed in it. In 1816 it was pulled down and rebuilt; the new edifice having been destroyed by fire, the present house was built from Beazley's designs in 1830 at a cost of £35,000. The much admired decorations of the interior were executed in 1847 in Madame Vestris’ management” (214).

“THE ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE, Wellington Street, North Strand. Erected on the site of the old theatre, which was destroyed by fire, February 16th, 1839, from the designs of Mr. S. Beazley. It has a handsome Corinthian portico of six columns, the whole surmounted by a dome and balustrade; the interior, which is light and elegant, is decorated in a chaste yet beautiful manner. The present lessee is Mr. Charles Mathews; and under the excellent management of Madame Vestris, it is a deservedly popular place of amusement” (125-6).

(Under Entertainment - Theatre & Shows - Theatres & Venues - Lyceum Theatre)

pp144-145

The information provided within this source is similar to that given within London in all its Glory, also published by H.G. Clarke, & Co.


In addition, this source also contains the following:

The theatre ”was re-decorated in a chaste, yet very beautiful manner, in 1847, when it was opened under the present management, with papier mache ornaments, of many diversified subjects, beautifully executed, on raised lozenges of white, forming a good contrast with the body of the boxes; the draperies arc also very elegant, exhibiting the well-known taste of Madame Vestris. […] The performances consist principally of comediettas, or two-act comedies, farces, and burlesques; the latter from the prolific, and highly amusing pen of Mr. J.R. Planche, are produced in a style unapproached by any other theatre. The chief female performers are Miss Julia St. George, Miss Fanny Baker, Mrs. Frank Mathews, and Madame Vestris; whilst the weight of the male performances fall upon the shoulders and the abilities of Messrs. Frank Mathews, Charles Mathews, Granby, George Vining, Robert Hoxby, and Suter. Doors open at half-past six o’clock; performances commence at seven. Admission: dress circle, five shillings; upper boxes, four shillings; pit, two shillings; gallery, one shilling. No half price to any part of the house. The entrance to Her Majesty's box is in Burleigh Street, Strand” (213)

p718.

The information provided within this source is much the same as that given within the 1868 edition of the book.