Memorable Performances at The Lyceum Theatre by Angelina Lawson

There have been numerous performances at the Lyceum theatre London, which will forever be etched on the minds of those who attended these shows. The theatre has had its share of controversy since its establishment. In fact, there were a couple of times that the theatre itself was destroyed. However, the performances that have been carried out in the theatre have definitely been classic ones and lived on well past the building in which they were performed. The theatre helped to establish many professionals in the performing arts category.

One astounding performance that has been performed in the Lyceum theatre was “The Bells”, which was performed in 1871. Henry Irving played the role of a ghost haunted burgomaster and his performance was more than incredible. The audience was left star struck by his acting. Because of this, the play ran for a good 150 nights and the theatre reached its full capacity every night that the play was showcased.

His next play, “Charles I”, received even greater attention than “The Bells”. He and other well known artists performed the play in 1872. The show ran for 180 nights to an overcrowded theatre. Certainly, the audience could not get enough of Irving and his acting skills. However, his greatest performance of all time was in the play “Hamlet”. This play is a timeless classic and Irving’s performance was more than mind blowing.

There were other memorable performances that propelled the theatre to fame. The “Cosi Fan Tutti” is one such high profile production which was produced by Mozart. The opera was and still is seen as a masterpiece throughout the world. At first, it seems like a hilarious comedy, but hopeless romantics will tell you that the play is much deeper than just a comic tale. The play remains relevant today because of the opera’s main lesson that the depth of our feelings remains hidden because of our clumsy statements and the predictability of our actions.

More recently, “The Lion King”, which is currently playing in the Lyceum theatre London has been able to gross over £300 million. This is one of the highest earnings brought in by a single show in the West End theatre. The musical has been running at the theatre for ten years now and the producers do not seem like they want to close it any time soon. This classic story of a young lion cub named Simba will tug on your heartstrings and provide some laughs. What’s more, with hidden adult humour it is suitable for all the family.

Angelina Lawson is a content writer whose interests include film, travel and technology, and eco living. Check out her article theater superstitions here or her website here.

Guest Post: Top Seven Theatre Superstitions

Scott's Note: Hello everyone! I know I haven't posted in awhile and I plan to remedy that soon. I've been busy with another project and moving to my new apartment. However, to hold you over till my next  post, here is an addition from Angelina Lawson on popular theatre superstitions. I hope you enjoy her post and please be nice to her. Without further ado:

Watching a musical can be a very enjoyable experience, but one may not be aware on how most theatres have a couple superstitious rituals that the cast and crew always seem to do. Actors and owners of theatres believe that these superstitions can benefit them greatly, though they are aware of the fact that those superstitions have nothing to do with their success.

Not Wishing The Actors Good Luck

It is a known fact that saying good luck to an actor is really bad luck. Some actors even wish each others bad luck or go so far as to curse at each other in order to give each other good luck.

Saying Break a Leg

In the same vein, saying "break a leg" to an actor is also a superstition that has been adhered to for a long time. Instead of someone wishing an actor to do good, they say "break a leg" so as to not jinx their performance.

Not Saying Anything in Regard to The Play Macbeth

The Macbeth play is said to be cursed. This said curse makes actors not want to quote anything regarding the play before their performance, even the play's name, often referring to it as just "The Scottish Play," as it is said to bring bad luck. The curse is believed to have come about because, as is believed by those who believe in the curse itself, the witches in the play are casting real curses in their scene.

The Ghosts Superstition

The ghosts’ superstition is probably the most unusual. Most theatres close their theatre and don’t sell any theatre tickets for one day in the week (usually Monday) so that any ghosts inhabiting the theatre will be able to perform their own plays.

The Ghost Light

The ghost light superstition involves leaving a light burning inside of an empty theatre. Usually, the light is put at the centre of the stage and is said to ward off ghosts. Other manifestations of the superstition say that since theatre ghosts enjoy light, if the theatre does not provide it, the ghost will become angry.

Whistling

Whistling, or rather a lack thereof, is also a popular superstition which dictates that actors not whistle off or on stage. In the past, the stage crew would listen for whistling so that they could inform the actors of the scene changes. Even though stage crews now use cue lights and intercom systems for scene changes, they still don't whistle.

Script Under Pillow

Actors place their scripts under their pillows, as they believe it will help them to memorize their lines much faster. Although there is no relation to placing a script under your pillow to remember your script faster, it is still widely done by various actors hoping to reap the benefits of memorization via osmosis.

All of these superstitions are very common, and have definitely become an everyday part of theatre life. Don't forget to get your tickets at the nearest box office before the show and find out more on other theatrical superstitions. 

Angelina Lawson is a content writer and her interests are Film, Travel & Technology and Eco Living. Catch her on Twitter @BoxOfficeltd