Having opened its doors to the public in 1930 the iconic Lyceum Theatre has dominated Shanghai’s thriving theatre scene and entertainment foray for over 80 years. Rebranded as the Shanghai Arts Theatre in the early 50’s before reclaiming its original name in ’91 the Lyceum Theatre also served as the home base of the renowned Shanghai Amateur Drama Company which showcased a plethora of theatrical and cinematic offerings during its heyday. Occupying a prime location on Mao Ming Road the theatre has gone through several refurbishments in decades past to retain its elegant and distinctly European style. Designed by top Singaporean engineers the theatre’s revamped appearance remains true to its European influence with the central stage displaying European architectural features.
The theatre’s overall architectural style reflects 18th century Roman architecture and contemporary nostalgia for the period’s inherent opulence and grandeur. With the ability to accommodate 680 spectators at a single event the theatre is perhaps best known among locals as a prime venue for staging symphony concerts, musicals and plays. Technically adept to the requirements of modern-day productions, the theatre boasts a sophisticated sound, lighting and monitoring system that adheres to international standards. With state-of-the-art stage equipment incorporated in to its golden arched ceiling the theatre also boasts a number of well-equipped function rooms. Several VIP rooms and spacious dressing rooms are also part of the structure in addition to a coffee shop which serves as a meeting point for audience members as well as rehearsing artists during pre-production.
Having hosted several headlining events in the past 80 plus years the Lyceum Theatre has become a frequent stopover for local performance arts companies as well as theatre companies from across the Chinese republic. With celebrities the likes of Zhou Xinfang, Yu Zhenfei, Qin Yi, Mei Lanfang, Zhao Dan and Zhou Xiaoyan having graced its stage at one time or another the theatre has also transformed in to a hall of fame in China’s ever evolving theatrical fraternity.
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