Triumphant Reopening for Hammersmith's Lyric Theatre
Unanimous praise from critics for first production Bugsy Malone
Hammersmith's Lyric Theatre's reopening after a three year multi-million pound redevelopment had proved a huge success.
The theatre on Lyric Square reopened in style with a new production of Alan Parker's world famous musical Bugsy Malone, which critics called " a blast from titfer top to tapping toe", "a joyous show full of charm and mischief" and "razzmatazz perfection".
The Daily Telegraph said:" From exuberant singing to deadpan dialogue, a brilliant cast of child actors delivers the goods in this stage version of Alan Parker's much-loved film."
And there was also high praise from bible of the theatre world, The Stage saying: "
Triumphant homecoming for the Lyric is a bold statement for the young people at the centre of its creative vision."
Critics were also impressed with the facilities within The the Reuben Foundation Wing a two storey extension named in recognition of a generous grant from the Reuben brothers’ charitable foundation.
The new facilities include drama, dance and recording studios, an editing suite, music practice rooms, a film and TV studio, a 50 seat cinema, a digital playspace, a sensory space for children with disabilities, props and costume stores, wardrobe and scenic workshops, as well as meeting and seminar rooms.
What's Onstage critic Michael Coveney paid tribute to architect Rick Mather,who also designed the new theatre in the early 2000s saying: " The architect Rick Mather was a friend of mine (his firm have completed the job in the two years since he died) and the new Lyric evinces all his personal and professional qualities of style, discretion, sleek lines and utter simplicity.
"The spaces and foyers are predominantly white and grey, with plenty of sky-lights and smooth, curvilinear finishing on counters, stairways, even floors. (The great Matcham auditorium is unchanged and is now a glorious complementary asset to the modern re-build.)"
The new wing, set to the west of the existing one took three years to build and had five main funders: Hammersmith and Fulham Council, the Arts Council England, the Department for Education, the Mayor of London and the Reuben Foundation.
Visit the Lyric's website to find out more about the redevelopment and book tickets online for Bugsy Malone, whic runs through the summer till August 1. You can also call the box office on 020 8741 6850.
April 10, 2015
