Welcome to the Peacock Theatre, the West End's hub for dance and entertainment! This theatre boasts a rich history and a thrilling lineup of performances, from dance acts to hilarious comedies. Originally opening its doors in 1960 as the Royalty Theatre, it briefly dabbled in cinema, screening classics like My Fair Lady, before finding its true calling in the world of live performance.
Throughout the years, the Peacock has worn many hats. In the '80s, it was the backdrop for the beloved TV series This Is Your Life. The real transformation began in the '90s, when Sadler’s Wells adopted it as a second home, turning it into a premier venue for dance. Today, the theatre shares its space with the London School of Economics, embodying the ultimate Jekyll & Hyde persona—lectures by day, spectacular shows by night.
The Peacock Theatre's roots stretch back to the 17th century, when it stood as Gibbon's Tennis Court. In a landmark 1660 performance of Othello, Mrs. Hughes became the first identified woman to tread a London stage. Fast forward to the 20th century, and the site saw the rise and fall of the grand London Opera House, which struggled to compete with Covent Garden.
In its current form, the Peacock Theatre is a cozy, 999-seat venue built in 1960. Over the decades, it has hosted everything from operas to the swinging '70s hit Bubbling Brown Sugar. Today, it’s famous not only for its performances but also for its legendary ghost—a spectral dolphin rumoured to haunt the basement.
Details
- Address:
- Portugal Street
- WC2A 2HT
- Contact:
- https://www.sadlerswells.com/your-visit/peacock-theatre/all-eyes-on-the-peacock/
- 020 7314 8888
- Transport:
- Railway station: King's Cross St Pancras Bus numbers: (Aldwych) 1, 6, 11, 13, 23, 59, 68, 87, 91, 139, 168, 171, 172, 188, 243, RV1, X68