The Lyric Theatre, St. Thomas Street, Lymington, Hampshire, England

Later - The Lyric Cinema

Above - The Lyric Theatre, Lymington - From a 1915 Programme for the Theatre - Courtesy Simon Moss, stagememories from the John Cannon Collection.

The Lyric Theatre was situated on St. Thomas Street in the New Forest town of Lymington and originally opened as an early Cinema in 1913, it was a simple brick building with its opening date of 1913 prominently placed along with its name above the main entrance doors.

Inside, at first, it was a simple single level barn of a building but in 1914 it was altered to include a 20 foot deep by 28 foot wide stage, and dressing rooms for artistes.

Right - A War Time Variety Programme for the Lyric Theatre, Lymington for February 1915 - Courtesy Simon Moss, stagememories from the John Cannon Collection. More of this programme can be seen below.

The Kinematograph Weekly reported briefly on the changes in their 23rd of April 1914 edition saying:- 'The Lyric, Lymington, which is under the proprietorship of the Lymington and New Forest Entertainments, Ltd., will re-open shortly after extensive alterations and improvements. The hall, which is capable of seating over 600, in plush tip-ups, is constructed on the most modern lines, and a fine promenade is provided. A complete stage is arranged with dressing rooms and everything necessary for a theatrical interlude. One performance will be given nightly, with matinee's on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The manager is Mr. Harry B. Wincote, who has previously held appointments in Douglas, Aberdeen, Wellingborough and London.'

Having been altered the Lyric Theatre reopened in the spring of 1914 as a home for stage plays, variety, and early cinema, and was in operation for a good number of years.

Above - A War Time Variety Programme for the Lyric Theatre, Lymington for February 1915 - Courtesy Simon Moss, stagememories from the John Cannon Collection.

In 1935 the Theatre was altered and the seating capacity was enlarged to 775 with prices of admission being 5d, 8d, and the higher priced 1s/2d seats which were bookable in advance. It was also equipped with Kalee Sound equipment for the early talking pictures at this time.

Later, in the mid 1950s, the Theatre was fitted for Cinemascope with a large screen within the Theatre's 28 foot wide proscenium, and it then became known as the Lyric Cinema rather than Theatre.

The Lyric Cinema closed in June 1963 and was converted for Bingo use but this wasn't to last long and in 1969 the Theatre was demolished.

Some of the information for this Theatre was gleaned from the Cinema Treasures Website, and also the Museum Crush Website where they have some interesting photos of the Lyric Theatre over the years.

If you have any more information or Images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me.