The Story of the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith

'The Story of the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith' offers a firsthand account of one of London’s most celebrated theatrical revivals during the early 20th century. Written by the visionary actor-manager Nigel Playfair, this work chronicles the transformation of a derelict suburban playhouse into a vibrant hub of artistic innovation. Through insightful narratives, the book explores the creative decisions, financial challenges, and triumphs that defined the theatre’s most influential era.Central to the narrative is the legendary production of John Gay’s 'The Beggar’s Opera', which became a cultural phenomenon and cemented the Lyric’s reputation. Playfair provides detailed recollections of the actors, designers, and musicians who contributed to the theatre’s distinct aesthetic. Beyond a simple chronicle of stage shows, the work serves as a significant document of British theatrical history, capturing the spirit of post-war London’s dramatic arts. It remains an essential resource for those interested in theatre management, stagecraft, and the enduring legacy of the London stage.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.