Covent Garden in City of Westminster in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

The Lyceum

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 14, 2017

1. The Lyceum Marker

Inscription. Henry Irving was the first actor to be knighted (1895). From 1878 - 1902 he managed the Lyceum Theatre.

Whilst working at the Lyceum as Irving's acting manager, Bram Stoker wrote Dracula.

This plaque was unveiled by Ian McKellen (KBE 1988) on 13th February 2006 to commemorate the centenary of Irving's death.

Plaque donated by The Edgar Allan Poe Society.

Erected 2006 by Edgar Allen Poe Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is February 13, 2006.

Location. 51° 30.7′ N, 0° 7.185′ W. Marker is in City of Westminster, England, in Greater London. It is in Covent Garden. It is at the intersection of Wellington Street and Strand, on the left when traveling north on Wellington Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21 Wellington Street, City of Westminster, England WC2E 7RQ, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in London and in the Greater South East. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At

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least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Wellington (within shouting distance of this marker); Gaiety Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Ivor Novello (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Fountain Tavern (about 120 meters away); Palace of the Savoy (about 150 meters away); Savoy Theatre (about 150 meters away); The Coal Hole (about 180 meters away); Foundation Stone (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in City of Westminster.

Also see . . . Lyceum Theatre, London (Wikipedia). "The Lyceum Theatre (pronounced ly-CEE-um) is a 2,100-seat West End theatre located in the City of Westminster, on Wellington Street, just off the Strand. The origins of the theatre date to 1765. Managed by Samuel Arnold, from 1794 to 1809 the building hosted a variety of entertainments including a circus produced by Philip Astley, a chapel, and the first London exhibition of waxworks displayed by Madame Tussaud. From 1816 to 1830, it served as The English Opera House. After a fire, the house was rebuilt and reopened on 14 July 1834 to a design by Samuel Beazley. The building was unique in that it has a balcony overhanging the dress circle. It was built by the partnership of Peto & Grissell. The theatre then played opera, adaptations of

The Lyceum Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 14, 2017

2. The Lyceum Marker - wide view

The marker is visible here on the right side of the picture, mounted to the theatre, about 3 meters above the ground.

Charles Dickens novels and James Planché's "fairy extravaganzas", among other works. From 1871 to 1902, Henry Irving appeared at the theatre in, especially, Shakespeare, usually starring opposite Ellen Terry. In 1904 the theatre was almost completely rebuilt and richly ornamented in Rococo style by Bertie Crewe, but it retained Beazley's façade and grand portico. It played mostly melodrama over the ensuing decades. The building closed in 1939 and was set to be demolished, but it was saved and converted into a Mecca Ballroom in 1951, styled the Lyceum Ballroom, where many well-known bands played. The Lyceum was closed in 1986 but restored to theatrical use in 1996 by Holohan Architects. Since 1999, the theatre has hosted The Lion King." (Submitted on August 1, 2018.)

<i>Lyceum Theatre</i> image. Click for full size.

Image courtesy of the New York Public Library

3. Lyceum Theatre

<i>Henry Irving as Hamlet</i> image. Click for full size.

Image courtesy of the New York Public Library

4. Henry Irving as Hamlet

"...In 1895 he became the first actor to be awarded a knighthood, indicating full acceptance into the higher circles of British society....Irving is widely acknowledged to be one of the inspirations for Count Dracula, the title character of the 1897 novel Dracula whose author, Bram Stoker, was business manager of the theatre." - Wikipedia

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2018, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 416 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 1, 2018, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.

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