Right across from the hustle and bustle of Victoria Station, the Apollo Victoria Theatre first opened its doors in 1930. Originally launched as a cinema during the golden age of ‘super’ cinemas, this Art Deco masterpiece designed by Ernest Walmsley Lewis was affectionately nicknamed 'Sing-Sing' by London’s taxi drivers, thanks to its severe double frontage.
Step inside, and you’re transported to a nautical wonderland. Picture “a mermaid’s dream of Heaven,” as Gaumont British News once gushed. Imagine huge submarine flowers, mysterious lights, and glassy stalactites creating an otherworldly ambiance. The venue's design elements remain a testament to the bygone era of cinematic grandeur.
After a brief stint as a rock concert venue, where legends like Led Zeppelin rehearsed, the Apollo Victoria reinvented itself in 1981 as a theatre. It was the perfect stage for Shirley Bassey's powerful vocals and quickly became a cornerstone of London’s vibrant West End scene.
The theatre's real claim to fame began in 1984 with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "Starlight Express," which zoomed through the audience on roller skates for an astonishing 18 years. The Apollo Victoria was extensively modified for this production, boasting a ‘race track’ that thrilled audiences night after night.
In 2006, the theatre found its current spellbinding occupant: "Wicked." This enchanting musical has captivated over 12 million visitors with its tale of the witches of Oz, transforming the Apollo Victoria into an emerald palace of wonder. Owned and operated by ATG Entertainment since 2009, the Apollo Victoria continues to offer top-tier live entertainment, solidifying its place as a cherished cultural landmark.
Details
- Address:
- 17 Wilton Road
- SW1V 1LG
- Contact:
- 020 7416 6070
- Transport:
- Railway station: Victoria Bus numbers: (Victoria Station) 2, 16, 36, 38, 73, 82, 170, 507, C2, C10; (Wilton Road) 24, 52, 185, 436; (Victoria Street) 44, 148, C1