Originally conceived by Richard D'Oyly Carte and designed by Thomas Edward Collcutt as the Royal English Opera House, it intended to be the grand home of English opera. Its inaugural show was Arthur Sullivan's opera "Ivanhoe," but despite a lavish production, the theatre quickly shifted gears. Within a year, it transformed into the Palace Theatre of Varieties, a grand music hall under the management of Sir Augustus Harris and later Charles Morton.
Over the decades, the Palace Theatre has hosted an eclectic mix of performances, solidifying its reputation as a premier musical venue. The 1925 opening of the musical comedy "No, No, Nanette" marked the beginning of its musical era, followed by countless hits including "The Sound of Music," which enjoyed an impressive 2,385-performance run starting in 1961. The theatre became synonymous with long-running musicals, such as "Jesus Christ Superstar" and the record-breaking "Les Misérables," which held the stage for 19 years.
The Palace Theatre’s rich history is adorned with notable performances and renovations. In 1983, Andrew Lloyd Webber purchased and refurbished the theatre, reviving its former glory and enhancing its opulent façade. The theatre continued to charm audiences with shows like "Monty Python’s Spamalot," "Priscilla Queen of the Desert," and "Singin' in the Rain."
Currently, the Palace Theatre is the magical home to "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," a testament to its enduring appeal and versatility.
Details
- Address:
- 109-113 Shaftesbury Ave
- W1D 5AY
- Transport:
- Railway station: Charing Cross Bus numbers: (Shaftesbury Avenue) 14, 19, 38; (Charing Cross Road) 24, 29, 176