Theatre Royal Drury Lane and London Palladium

Apply for Free Tours of Historic London Theatres this Summer

May 12, 2009

With summer holidays fast approaching it's time to plan interesting days out. Apply now for free back-stage tours of two of London's most iconic and historic theatres.

London is home to dozens of historical theatres, most of which offer back-stage tours. The 2009 summer season includes an opportunity to apply for free tours of two of London's most important theatrical venues.

Story of London Festival – Free Theatre Tours

This brand new Festival will run from 1st to 30th June 2009 and will celebrate the capital's history through events across the city involving London's art, architecture, food, film, fashions, literature and, of course, music and theatre.

As part of the Story of London Festival the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and the London Palladium are offering free behind-the-scenes tours. The tours will be led by actors and/or experts and will take place on Friday, 26th June 2009. Spaces on the tours will be strictly limited and early application is essential. Applications for places on the free tours must be sent by email no later than Monday, 15th June 2009.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

The Theatre Royal Drury Lane has a history stretching back to 1663 after a cockpit at the same location was changed into a theatre, designed by Christopher Wren. This first theatre burnt down in 1672 and was replaced by another structure, again designed by Wren. The auditorium accommodated 2,000 spectators and the opening, in March 1674, was attended by Charles II.

In the late 1700s the ageing theatre was demolished and replaced by a design by Henry Holland. The new theatre opened in 1794 but was destroyed by fire fifteen years later. The architect, Benjamin Wyatt, was invited to design the present Theatre Royal, which opened in 1812 with a presentation of Shakespeare's Hamlet.

The theatre was popularized by personalities such as the English actor/manager, David Garrick, Edmund Kean, Sarah Siddons and Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Recent productions include Anything Goes and Mel Brooks' The Producers. The current show is Oliver! starring Rowan Atkinson as Fagin.

The London Palladium

The London Palladium is one of London's most well-known West End theatres famous for its revolving stage (removed in 2002). Seating more than 2,200 spectators, the theatre opened on Boxing Day 1910. It was designed by Frank Matcham who also designed the London Coliseum.

Famous performers include Maurice Chevalier, Tommy Trinder, Harry Secombe, Jimmy Tarbuck, Tommy Steele, Bruce Forsyth, Elaine Paige, Michael Ball, the Beatles, Russ Abbott, Brian Blessed, Gary Wilmot, Julie Andrews, Wayne Sleep, Lionel Blair, Alvin Stardust and many others.

Past performances include Sunday Night at the London Palladium in the 1950s and 60s, Live from the Palladium in the 1980s, and more recently, The Sound of Music, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Scrooge – the Musical, The King and I, Sinatra at the London Palladium and Sister Act. The Palladium is the setting for the annual Royal Variety Performance attended by Her Majesty the Queen.

The copyright of the article Theatre Royal Drury Lane and London Palladium in Theatre History is owned by Frances Spiegel. Permission to republish Theatre Royal Drury Lane and London Palladium in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.