Place    From 1903  To 1958

Gaiety Theatre

Categories: Theatre

 Before the Aldwych development in 1906 the street pattern was very different.  The site between the current Lyceum Theatre and the current corner, Silken Hotel, was occupied by the Lyceum Theatre, which moved in 1834 to its current site.  Another theatre was built on this in-between site and took the name The Gaiety in 1868.  George Edwardes took over the management in about 1886 and in the 1890’s introduced the new style, now known as Edwardian musical comedy, which was very successful, especially the dancing Gaiety Girls.  Then the Aldwych redevelopment happened.  The Gaiety was demolished in 1903 and rebuilt on the new Aldwych corner site.  More success followed but by 1939 it was run down and so it closed.   The building was damaged by WW2 bombs and was demolished in 1956. Arthur Lloyd has a magnificent page on this theatre.

From Londonist we learn "Before the Gaiety was torn down {1956}, however, some of the internal fixtures from the auditorium were mysteriously saved and now grace the upstairs bar of The Victoria pub near Lancaster Gate tube."

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Gaiety Theatre

Commemorated ati

Gaiety Theatre

On this site stood the Gaiety Theatre, built in 1903 for impresario George Ed...

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Gaiety Theatre - SWET

Gaiety Theatre On this site until 1957 stood the re-sited Gaiety Theatre whic...

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Other Subjects

Bonnie Greer

Bonnie Greer

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1 memorial
Daphne du Maurier

Daphne du Maurier

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Ronnie Corbett

Ronnie Corbett

Actor and comedian. Born Ronald Balfour Corbett in Edinburgh. His career started in the theatre, particularly in cabaret with Danny La Rue. He came to national fame in BBC television's sketch show ...

Person, Cinema, Seriously Famous, Theatre, TV & Radio, Scotland

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
Cameron Mackintosh

Cameron Mackintosh

Theatre producer and owner. Born in Enfield. He is one of the most successful producer of musicals in London's West End, including 'Les Miserables', 'The Phantom of the Opera' and 'Hamilton'.

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1 memorial

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Transport for London / London Transport

Transport for London / London Transport

This organisation has been a bit of a political football, often having its name changed, as follows: 1902 - 1933 Underground Electric Railways Company of London 1933 - 1948 London Passenger Transpo...

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52 memorials
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

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Group, Animals

1 memorial