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.

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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

Steven Berkoff

Steven Berkoff

Actor, playwright, author and director.  Born Leslie Steven Berks in Stepney.  After studying at the École Jacques Lecoq in Paris, he founded the London Theatre Group where he directed his own adap...

Person, Cinema, Literature, Theatre, TV & Radio, France

2 memorials
Simon Callow

Simon Callow

Actor, director, writer. Born Streatham.  

Person, Cinema, Literature, Theatre, TV & Radio

4 memorials
Peter Cushing

Peter Cushing

Actor. Born Peter Wilton Cushing in Kenley, Surrey. After playing small roles on stage, he went to America where he performed in several films, including one with Laurel and Hardy. Returning to Bri...

Person, Cinema, Theatre, TV & Radio, USA

1 memorial
Esme Percy

Esme Percy

Esme Percy, once famous as a producer and star of stage and 50 films, but forgotten since his death in 1957. Born London of French ancestry, as Saville Esmé Percy. A good looking stage star and th...

Person, Cinema, Theatre

1 memorial
José Collins

José Collins

Actress and singer. Born Josephine Charlotte Collins or Cooney in Whitechapel. She started her career as a child performer and went on to perform on stage and in films in Britain and America. Her g...

Person, Cinema, Music / songs, Theatre, USA

1 memorial

Previously viewed

Fire of London plaque - Museum of London

Fire of London plaque - Museum of London

EC3, Monument Street

This is a large plaque, perhaps 2 or 3 feet wide. We tracked this plaque down at the Museum of London in November 2021 (before the Museu...

3 subjects commemorated
Mick the Miller

Mick the Miller

Greyhound. Born in Killeigh, Ireland. In a career of only three years, he won 61 races, (nineteen of them in a row), including two English Greyhound Derbys. His winning streak ended after suffering...

Animal, Animals, Sport / Games, Ireland

1 memorial
Cooks' Hall - blue plaque

Cooks' Hall - blue plaque

EC1, Aldersgate Street, 10

2022: A London Inheritance drew our attention to the stamp and the text below.  Very few plaques credit their creators, so this on a City...

1 subject commemorated, 2 creators
Colet - Colet Court

Colet - Colet Court

W6, Hammersmith Road, Colet Court

The bust is above the 1st floor windows, just distinguishable in our photo, above the large red sign. Above the entrance at the east end ...

1 subject commemorated
Leon-Joseph Chavalliaud / Chavaillaud

Leon-Joseph Chavalliaud / Chavaillaud

Sculptor.  Born Reims France.  Came to Britain in 1890s and stayed for fifteen years living in Brixton.  Died France.

Person, Sculpture, France

2 memorials