The Victoria Palace Theatre, opened its doors on November 6, 1911, designed by the celebrated architect Frank Matcham. Built on the former site of the Royal Standard Music Hall for a mere £12,000, this venue quickly earned its place as a beacon of theatrical grandeur.
The theatre's early days were marked by notable productions such as Rev. Walter Reynolds' "Young England" in 1934, which turned bad reviews into a cult success with 278 performances to full houses. The 1937 production of "Me and My Girl" starred Lupino Lane and was so successful it led to Lane managing the theatre through World War II, ushering in a series of variety acts starting in 1945.
The Victoria Palace Theatre's love affair with musical theatre began in earnest during the 1980s, with "Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story" opening in 1989 and transferring to the Novello Theatre in 1995. This set the stage for further successes, including "Jolson," "Annie," and "Kiss Me, Kate."
The theatre hit a high note with the arrival of "Billy Elliot The Musical" in 2005. This quintessentially British musical, which ran for an impressive 11 years, garnered rave reviews, four Olivier Awards, and 10 Tony Awards following its Broadway transfer.
In May 2014, theatre impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh acquired the Victoria Palace Theatre, embarking on an extensive renovation in 2016. The theatre reopened in 2017 with the blockbuster musical "Hamilton," ensuring its place at the forefront of London's cultural scene.
From its ornate early 20th-century architecture to its storied history of groundbreaking productions, the Victoria Palace Theatre remains a beloved and enduring fixture in the West End, continuing to delight audiences with its blend of historical charm and modern theatrical innovation.
Details
- Address:
- Allington Street
- SW1E 5EA
- Transport:
- Railway station: Victoria Bus numbers: (Victoria Street) 11, 24, 44, 52, 148, 211, 436, 507, C1; (Victoria Station) 2, 16, 36, 38, 73, 82, 170, 185, C2, C10