The most historic theatre venues in London
The best West End shows in London have been running for decades, with some having been almost continuously on stage since the 1980s or 1990s. But when sitting down for a performance, have you ever wondered about the history of the theatre itself? Here, we explore some of the most historic theatre venues in London.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Opened 7 May 1663
Built in 1663 by dramatist Thomas Killigrew, the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane is the oldest London theatre still in use. In its early days Nell Gwynne - later mistress to Charles II - made her stage debut. Despite several disasters including fire and mismanagement, the theatre survived to stage productions by Shakespeare, Sheridan and Beecham. The current building opened in 1812.
Sadler’s Wells
Opened 3 June 1683
London’s second oldest theatre is Sadler’s Wells, which opened just 20 years after Drury Lane. Built as a music hall around a spring, it initially offered entertainment such as jugglers, rope dancers and ballad singers. By the 19th century it had become notorious for its ‘ruffianly’ audiences and regular brawls, but was rescued by Lillian Baylis in 1925, and gained prestige for its opera and ballet performances.
Theatre Royal Haymarket
Opened 29 December 1720
In 1720 a young carpenter named John Potter built a modest theatre next to a gun shop on Haymarket in the St James’ area of the City of Westminster. After a shaky start the little venue became hugely popular, showing work by Henry Fielding and counting Queen Victoria among its patrons. In recent decades, Dame Judy Dench and Dame Maggie Smith have trodden its boards, and the theatre is playing host to the hugely successful family show, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, this summer.
The Adelphi
Opened 27 November 1806
Originally built as the Sans Pareil in 1806, this theatre was renamed the Adelphi in 1818 and soon became a popular venue for those seeking drama. It has been rebuilt several times, with the current architecture following the Art Deco style. Now owned and run by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group, it has hosted some of the best West End theatre productions of the 21st century, including Chicago, Evita and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
The Old Vic
Opened 11 May 1818
Like Sadler’s Wells, the Old Vic began life as a music hall and drinking den before making its name as a home of exceptional talent. Lilian Baylis assumed management in 1912, and by 1918 it was the only permanent Shakespearean theatre in London. Despite facing fire, bankruptcy and bombing, the building remains standing, and has welcomed stars from Laurence Olivier and John Gielgud to Claire Foy and Indira Varma.
The Criterion
Opened 21 March 1874
Established in 1874, the Criterion became known for comedy thanks to the shows of Charles Wyndham, which achieved great success in the late 19th century. It has staged work by Terence Rattigan, Harold Pinter and Iris Murdoch, and is currently home to musical comedy Titanique.
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