Group    From 1806 

Adelphi Theatre

Categories: Theatre

Founded as the Sans Parail by John Scott, and his daughter Jane, who was an early playwright-actor-manager. 1819 it re-opened as the Adelphi Theatre, named for the Adelphi development opposite. 1858 the theatre was rebuilt. In 1879 the Gatti brothers took it over and also, 1887, created the Adelphi Theatre Restaurant next door, to the west. 1897 one of the regular performers, William Terriss, was murdered as he entered the theatre by the Maiden Lane entrance. 1901 the theatre was rebuilt to designs of Ernest Runtz and for three years known as the Century Theatre. The theatre was rebuilt again in the 1930s and in this design the theatre, the facade at least, took over one bay of the restaurant. This is the building we see today, although the facade is now even flatter than it was in the 30s. Our picture, from the the magnificent Arthur Lloyd, shows the 1858 building.

The Gatti's set up a electricity suppy for another nearby restaurant and also used it in 1885 to provide lighting to this theatre, making the Adelphi the first London theatre to be lit with electric light, according to the ODNB.  But the Savoy Theatre, claims this crown in 1881.

The Theatres Trust have a detailed description of the various changes the theatre has been through.

This section lists the memorials created by the subject on this page:
Adelphi Theatre

Creations i

Terriss

City of Westminster William Terriss, 1847 - 1897, hero of the Adelphi melodr...

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Other Subjects

Dame Jane Elizabeth Ailwên Phillips, DBE

Dame Jane Elizabeth Ailwên Phillips, DBE

Known professionally as Siân Phillips, she was born Bettws, Carmarthenshire, Wales. Married to Peter O'Toole through the 60s. Played Livia in the BBC series "I, Claudius". Her birth was registered...

Person, Theatre, TV & Radio, Wales

1 memorial
Jon Pertwee

Jon Pertwee

Actor.  Born 3 Sheffield Terrace, Kensington. Having served in the Royal Navy and the Naval Intelligence Division during WW2 he became widely known during his 18 years (1959–77) playing Chief Petty...

Person, Cinema, Theatre, TV & Radio, USA

3 memorials
Harry Houdini

Harry Houdini

Escape artist.  Born Erik Weisz in Budapest.  Later names include: Ehrich Weiss, Harry Weiss.  The family moved to the US in 1878.  He had a very close relationship with his mother, to whom he alwa...

Person, Paranormal, Seriously Famous, Theatre, Hungary, USA

1 memorial
Joseph William Comyns Carr

Joseph William Comyns Carr

Born 47 Devonshire Street. Author, gallery director and theatre manager. In 1877 he became co-director of the Grosvenor Gallery in Bond Street, which promoted the work of the Pre-Raphaelite Brother...

Person, Art, Literature, Museums / Libraries, Theatre

1 memorial
Donald Swann

Donald Swann

Composer, pianist and entertainer. Born Donald Ibrahim Swann at 27 Coleshill Terrace, Llanelli, Wales. His mother was a Muslim Azerbaijani. He is best remembered for his partnership with Michael Fl...

Person, Music / songs, Theatre, Wales

2 memorials