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

Ernest Boulton

Ernest Boulton

Boulton and Frederick Park were 'Stella & Fanny', the celebrated Victorian cross-dressers. Born at Kings Road, Tottenham.  Boulton's cross-dressing began very early and his parents seem to hav...

Person, Gender Issues, Theatre

1 memorial
Carlo Gatti

Carlo Gatti

Cafe owner and ice-dealer. Born Switzerland. Arrived in England in July 1847. Built up a French-style cafe business. In the 1850s he became the first seller of ice-cream to the masses. He had owned...

Person, Commerce, Food & Drink, Theatre, Switzerland

1 memorial
Edmund Kean

Edmund Kean

Born Gray's Inn. Very successful Shakespearian actor. Led a hectic and debauched life. In 1822 bought Woodend House and land on the isle of Bute in Scotland. Died at home in Richmond, Surrey.

Person, Theatre, Scotland

2 memorials
Sarah Flower Adams

Sarah Flower Adams

Actress, hymnwriter and poet. Born Sarah Fuller Flower in Old Harlow, Essex. She wrote the words to the hymn 'Nearer, my God, to Thee'. In 1837 she turned to acting, playing several leading roles, ...

Person, Music / songs, Poetry, Theatre

1 memorial
East 15 Acting School

East 15 Acting School

Founded by Margaret Walker after she worked with Joan Littlewood at the Theatre Royal in Stratford, and had the same ethos of inclusivity and radical work. It was named after the postal district of...

Group, Education, Theatre

1 memorial

Previously viewed

Claudia Dietlinde Theile

Claudia Dietlinde Theile

Non-British, killed by the Bali bomb.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Greenwich roundels - Howard

Greenwich roundels - Howard

SE10, King William Walk, Discover Greenwich (Royal Naval College, Pepys Building)

The roundels on the north, river-facing, frontage are occupied by, left to right: Anson, Drake, Cook, Howard, Blake, Benbow, Sandwich, Ro...

1 subject commemorated
L. J. Reason

L. J. Reason

J. Lyons & Co. Ltd. staff member who died in WW2.

Person, Armed Forces

War dead, WW2
1 memorial