In general—and it is a generalization—West End theatre, though professional and slick, is rarely groundbreaking or genuinely inventive.

The Lyric in Hammersmith hosts drama that manages to combines all those elements. The theatre prides itself on presenting challenging productions: young writers are showcased and innovative staging is a recurring theme.

The Lyric originally opened in 1895 and has been established in its current location for thirty years. Housed in a concrete building perched above King Street, it now boasts a smart contemporary cafe and an elegant roof garden which overlooks the buzzing Lyric Square.

The Lyric remains a theatre at heart, standing as impressive example of the fact that quality drama can be found all over London—not just in W1.