Journey Into London West End Theatrical History
The first theater on the site was built in 1663 by Thomas Killigrew, a courtier and playwright who was granted a royal patent to build and operate a theater in the area. This original theater was destroyed by fire in 1672, but was rebuilt and re-opened in 1674. Over the years, the theater has been home to some of the greatest actors, actresses, and productions of the time, including performances by the legendary actor-manager David Garrick, who was associated with the theater for over 30 years, and was for a time in the hands of playright Richard Brinsley Sheridan. In its most recent incarnation, owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the theatre has been renovated and upgraded in magnificent style.
The history of the Theater Royal Drury Lane is a rich and fascinating one. The first theater on the site was built in 1663 by Thomas Killigrew, a courtier and playwright who was granted a royal patent to build and operate a theater in the area. This original theater was destroyed by fire in 1672, but was rebuilt and re-opened in 1674. Over the years, the theater has been home to some of the greatest actors, actresses, and productions of the time, including performances by the legendary actor-manager David Garrick, who was associated with the theater for over 30 years, and was for a time in the hands of playright Richard Brinsley Sheridan. In its most recent incarnation, owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the theatre has been renovated and upgraded in magnificent style.
In 1812, the Theatre was completely rebuilt and re-opened as the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and it has remained in use ever since. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the Theatre continued to be a leading venue for theatrical productions in London, and has played host to some of the greatest names in theatre, including Edmund Kean, Sir Henry Irving, Ellen Terry, and Sir Laurence Olivier. Percy and Mary Shelley attended a performance of Edmucd Kean in Shakespeare, though Percy was unimpressed with Kean’s style. It was when Lord Byron was a member of the Board of Directors that Claire Clairmont stuck up an affair that led to a trip to Geneva Switzerland.
The backstage tour of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is a unique and fascinating experience that offers visitors a glimpse into the inner workings of this historic theatre. The tour begins with a visit to the theatre’s grand entrance, where you can see the original 1812 façade and the famous statue of Shakespeare that stands above the entrance. You belly up to the theatre bar and admire the grand staircases.
From there, the tour moves on to the theatre’s magnificent auditorium, where you can see the ornate decoration and the famous horseshoe-shaped balcony. The tour guide, clearly an actor in another life, regales with stories of the theatre’s history and the various productions that have been staged here over the years. The tour winds into the private box lounges, lined with portraits of famous personages.
Next, the tour moves on to the theatre’s backstage areas, where you can see the stage and all the equipment and machinery that is used to put on a production. You will also get a chance to see the dressing rooms and the wardrobe department, where the costumes and props are kept. Visitors will also get to see the stage manager’s office, where all the technical aspects of a production are controlled.
The Theatre Royal Drury Lane tour is a fascinating must-see for any theater fan interested in London stage history, or architecture. It offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of one of London’s most iconic and historic theaters, and provides visitors with an understanding of the rich history and heritage of this amazing venue.
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