Vaudeville Theatre is a beautiful West End theatre located in the Strand area of London. It has a seating capacity of 690 and over the years has developed a reputation for staging a wide range of entertaining performances.
The Vaudeville Theatre was designed by C. J. Phipps and opened its doors in 1870, making it one of the oldest theatres in London. Although it originally staged traditional Victorian plays, musicals and variety shows, it has undergone several renovations over the years, including the installation of a new stage in 1891, and a complete reconstruction in 1926.
In the 1920s, the theatre became synonymous with the revue genre, which featured a combination of comedy, music, and dance. The famous French singer Edith Piaf made her London debut at the Vaudeville Theatre in 1947, and in the following years many famous actors, singers, and comedians have graced its stage.
During the Second World War, the theatre was used by a variety of organisations, including the government and the services, and was even used as a recording studio by the BBC. In 1950, the theatre was purchased by Sir Bernard Delfont, and it has since been under the ownership of the Delfont Mackintosh Theatres group.
In recent years, the Vaudeville Theatre has become known for staging popular plays and musicals, which have included productions such as One Man, Two Guvnors, The Importance of Being Earnest and The Ladykillers. It has also been home to West End productions of Stomp and The Kite Runner.
The theatre’s location makes it easily accessible to both locals and tourists and its ornate interior is a testament to its rich history. The exterior of the building is adorned with a striking art nouveau marquee, which was installed in the 1920s, and the interior is decorated with stunning gold leaf and intricate plasterwork.
With over 150 years of history, the Vaudeville Theatre remains a favourite among theatre-goers in London. Its rich and diverse history has seen it through the Victorian era, two World Wars, and countless changes in the theatrical landscape. Today, it continues to be a vibrant and exciting venue for London’s theatre scene, bringing top-quality entertainment to audiences from across the world.
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