RepresentAsian: An Evening of Asian Talent

Experience an unforgettable evening of celebration featuring an all-star lineup of Asian artists. This gala-style concert and fundraiser shines a spotlight on the incredible talent shaping the past, present and future of theatre, hosted by Nina Wadia.

Founded by Ben Armstrong in 2021, this event champions greater access, inclusivity, and opportunity in the performing arts, with proceeds supporting The Boury Academy — a vital initiative helping young Asian performers pursue professional training.

Join us for a night of show-stopping performances, inspiring voices, and an opportunity to be part of lasting change in the industry. Supported by our friends at Dishoom.
📍 Venue Description:

Located in Shaftesbury Avenue, the Lyric Theatre is a popular West End theatre. It has a seating capacity of 915 on four levels. C. J. Phipps built the theatre for the producer Henry Leslie. The light opera of the latter hit “Dorothy” made him enough profit to finance the project, as well as transfer the show to open the new theatre on 17th December 1888.

<h2>Welcome to the Lyric Theatre</h2>

The Lyric is the oldest theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. Initially specialising in musical theatre, it continued to be the same throughout its history. During the venue’s first 40 years, productions included The Mountebanks (1982), His Excellency (1984), The Chocolate Solider (1910) and Lilac Time (1922). The Lyric has also staged several non-musicals ranging from the works of Shakespeare to Noël Coward. Stars who have graced the theatre with their performance include Marie Tempest, Ellen Terry, Tallulah Bankhead, Laurence Olivier, and Vivien Leigh. More recent actors to play here include Ian McKellen, Woody Harrelson, John Malkovich, Glenda Jackson, and Alec Guinness.

<h2>The Architecture and History of the Lyric</h2>

In 1932 and 33, the beautiful bars and foyer underwent refurbishment. Later, in 1994, the majestic façade was restored. Although the theatre has undergone various renovations, it still uses an outdated electric pump which amazingly still operates the venue’s remarkable iron curtain. The Lyric Theatre was originally constructed around an already present structure which was once Sir William Hunter’s home and museum and dated back to 1766. While many knew the venue for its comic operas, it gradually became a popular stage for musicals, comedies, and straight dramas.

As opposed to several other theatres in the West End, which have faced difficult times throughout their existence, the best shows at the Lyric by famous playwrights such as J. B. Priestley Eugene O’Neill and George Bernard Shaw kept the theatre standing strong in both its good and bad times. In 1960, it became Grade II listed and is owned by Nimax Theatres today.

Fun fact: A bomb hit the Lyric Theatre during WWI. Some say an Usherette killed in the blast haunts the venue.

<h3>The Theatre in the 2000s</h3>

Before Nimax Theatres bought the venue in 2005, Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group purchased it in 2000. Productions before then included Fanny Burney’s A Busy Day (2000) starring Sara Crowe and Stephanie Beacham, followed by Brief Encounter’s stage adaptation starring Christopher Cazenove and Jenny Seagrove in the same year. Shows at the theatre in the 2000s came one after another and did not let the venue down.

• The schoolgirl comedy Daisy Pulls It Off had a 3-month-long performance run in 2002.


• In 2003, a revival of Strindberg’s The Dance Of Death starred Ian McKellen and Frances de la Tour.


• Bill Kenwright presented Night Of The Iguana starring Jenny Seagrove, Clare Higgins, and Woody Harrelson in 2005.


• In 2006, Phil McIntyre staged Smaller by Carmel Morgan, starring Alison Moyet and Dawn French.

✨ Discover the extraordinary at RepresentAsian: An Evening of Asian Talent, where magic meets reality in ways you've never imagined! 🏛️ Set in Lyric Theatre nestled in bustling London, EN, this event promises to be a landmark occasion. 📅 Taking place on October 13th, 2025 at 07:30 PM, it's going to create an atmosphere where every moment becomes a cherished memory. 🌟 Immerse yourself in an experience crafted with attention to every detail, designed to surprise and delight at every turn. They have worked tirelessly to ensure this event exceeds all expectations, bringing together elements of entertainment, innovation, and pure joy. 🎟️ Tickets are available at 27.00 GBP. 🎊 Don't miss your chance to be part of this remarkable journey!

Also check out other Arts events in London, Theatre events in London, Entertainment events in London.