London is known for its rich history and culture, and one aspect of that culture is theatre. With the West End being one of the most popular destinations for theatre-goers around the world, it’s not surprising that London has a long and fascinating history when it comes to theatres.
But which is the oldest theatre in London? Let’s take a closer look.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
The Theatre Royal Drury Lane, located in Covent Garden, is widely considered to be the oldest theatre in London. The building itself has been standing since 1663, although it has undergone several renovations and rebuilds over the years. The original theatre was built by Thomas Killigrew, who was granted a royal patent to form a company of actors by King Charles II.
Throughout its long history, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane has hosted countless famous productions and performers. Notable shows include My Fair Lady, Oliver!, and 42nd Street. Famous actors such as Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, and Richard Burton have all graced its stage.
The Theatre’s History
The original Theatre Royal Drury Lane was built on the site of an old brewhouse owned by John Brayne. The theatre itself was designed by Christopher Wren, who also designed St Paul’s Cathedral. Originally known as the Theatre Royal in Bridges Street, it quickly gained a reputation for staging high-quality productions.
Over the years, there have been several fires at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The first occurred in 1672 and destroyed much of the original building. It was rebuilt soon after but suffered another fire in 1791 which destroyed everything except for the stage and backstage areas.
In 1812, famous actor-manager John Philip Kemble took over management of the theatre and oversaw another major renovation which added a new facade to the building.
Current State of the Theatre
Today, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is still going strong. It underwent a major renovation in 2019 which saw it close for several months while work was carried out to modernize and improve the building. It reopened in November of that year with a production of Frozen, which proved to be a huge hit with audiences.
If you’re interested in seeing a show at the oldest theatre in London, then the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is definitely worth a visit. With its rich history and impressive list of past productions and performers, it’s a true icon of London’s theatre scene.
- Address: Catherine St, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF
- Nearest Tube Station: Covent Garden or Holborn
- Capacity: 2,196 seats
- Current Production: Frozen
In Conclusion
London has a long and fascinating history when it comes to theatres, but the Theatre Royal Drury Lane stands out as the oldest and most iconic. With its impressive list of past productions and performers, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in theatre or London’s cultural history.