What is the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane commonly known as, and what is its architectural designation and location?

The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane is commonly known as Drury Lane. It is a West End theatre and a Grade I listed building located in Covent Garden, London, England. The building faces Catherine Street and backs onto Drury Lane.

How old is the theatre site, and what is its significance in London's theatre history?

The current building opened in 1812, but it is the most recent of four theatres on the site since 1663. This makes it the oldest theatre site in London that is still in continuous use. For its first two centuries, Drury Lane could reasonably claim to be London's leading theatre.

What was Drury Lane's status for its first two centuries regarding drama production?

For most of its first two centuries, Drury Lane operated as one of a handful of patent theatres. These theatres were granted monopoly rights to produce "legitimate" drama, meaning spoken plays, in London, distinguishing them from venues that focused on opera, dance, or musical performances.

Who owns the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and what is its current production?

The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane is owned by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. As of the information provided, Disney's *Frozen* made its West End debut there in August 2021, with general shows starting in September 2021.

Who was instrumental in the building of the first theatre on the Drury Lane site, and when did it open?

Thomas Killigrew was instrumental in the building of the first theatre on the Drury Lane site. This new playhouse opened on May 7, 1663, during the English Restoration period, shortly after theatres were permitted to reopen.

What was the initial name of the first theatre on the Drury Lane site, and what were its physical characteristics?

The first theatre was initially known as the "Theatre Royal in Bridges Street," named for its entrance location. It was a three-tiered wooden structure, approximately 112 feet long and 59 feet wide, capable of holding around 700 audience members.

What was the significance of the Letters Patent granted during the English Restoration concerning theatre monopolies?

The Letters Patent granted to Thomas Killigrew and William Davenant's companies established a shared monopoly on the public performance of legitimate drama in London. This legal framework controlled theatrical production in the city for many years, though its definition of "legitimate drama" was sometimes contested.

How did the Duke's Company's success influence the King's Company's technical investments at the Theatre Royal?

The Duke's Company's popularity, driven by their use of advanced and visually impressive changeable scenery at Lincoln's Inn Fields, compelled the King's Company to invest in similar technical capabilities. This led to the Theatre Royal also featuring moveable scenery and wings, a novelty in English theatre at the time.

What new theatrical staging elements were introduced at the Theatre Royal, Bridges Street, inspired by continental practices?

The theatre adopted the "picture-frame" stage concept, separating the audience from the performance with a proscenium arch. This continental innovation, though debated in London, created a framed view of the stage, though large forestages and even thrust stages reminiscent of Elizabethan theatres were retained.

Which playwrights and actors were key figures in the development of Restoration comedy at the Theatre Royal?

Playwright John Dryden, the theatre's house dramatist, and actor Charles Hart were central to the development of Restoration comedy. Together with actors like Nell Gwyn, they refined the witty repartee and character interactions that defined the genre.

What impact did the introduction of actresses have on British playwriting in the 1660s?

The appearance of actresses on stage for the first time in London, including at Drury Lane, allowed British playwrights to create more complex female characters. This led to the writing of parts for outspoken women, daring love scenes, and the popularization of "breeches roles" where actresses played male characters.

What was Samuel Pepys' assessment of the first Theatre Royal's construction and acoustics?

Samuel Pepys found the first Theatre Royal to be constructed with "extraordinary good contrivance" but noted flaws such as narrow passages and the distance from the stage to the boxes, which he believed hindered hearing. He also specifically mentioned that the placement of the music below the stage made the bass notes inaudible.

How did the theatre utilize daylight for performances, and what was a drawback of the glazed dome?

Performances typically began in the afternoon to take advantage of natural light, as the pit area was open to the sky. Although a glazed dome was installed to cover this opening, it was not entirely effective, as Pepys noted being forced to take refuge from a hail storm during a performance.

When did the first Theatre Royal, Bridges Street, burn down?

The first Theatre Royal, Bridges Street, burned down on January 25, 1672, after nearly a decade of operation.

What is the debate surrounding the attribution of the second theatre's design to Christopher Wren?

While an illustration has been repeatedly published as a design by Christopher Wren for the 1674 theatre, scholars have disputed this since 1964. Careful examination of the drawing reveals no signature or date, and its connection to Drury Lane is based on supposition rather than definitive evidence.

How did the King's Company's financial situation change after the fire of the first theatre, and what contributed to the decline of the second theatre?

The King's Company never fully recovered financially from the loss of the first theatre. The cost of rebuilding the second theatre, replacing lost costumes and scenery, and facing competition from the Duke's Company contributed to its financial decline, ultimately leading to a merger in 1682.

What was the organizational structure of the 1674 Theatre Royal, and how did it impact communication?

The 1674 Theatre Royal building contained numerous rooms for management, performers (nearly seventy people), and technical staff (around fifty). Additionally, dedicated spaces were provided for scripts, copying parts, and storing account books and music scores. However, this complex arrangement often hindered communication between different departments.

How were ticket prices structured in the 1674 theatre, and how did patrons secure seats?

Ticket prices reflected social class, with box seats costing 5 shillings, pit benches 3 shillings, first gallery seats 2 shillings, and upper gallery seats 1 shilling. Seats were not assigned, so patrons often sent servants ahead of time to reserve the best spots.

What political events in the late 17th century affected theatre attendance in London?

The political unrest of 1678-1684, including the Popish Plot and the Exclusion Bill crisis, distracted potential audiences, negatively impacting theatre attendance, particularly for the King's Company.

What led to the actors' walkout from the United Company in 1695, and who were some of the prominent performers who left?

Christopher Rich's cost-cutting measures and tyrannical management alienated the actors, leading to a walkout in 1695. Prominent performers who departed included Thomas Betterton, Elizabeth Barry, and Anne Bracegirdle, significantly weakening the company.

Who managed the Theatre Royal after the merger, and what was the outcome of Christopher Rich's management?

After the merger of the King's and Duke's companies in 1682, the United Company chose Drury Lane as their production house. Christopher Rich eventually took control for 16 years, but his management was marked by attempts to recoup losses through cost-cutting, which ultimately led to the actors' revolt.

When did David Garrick and James Lacy purchase the patent for Drury Lane, and what is Garrick remembered for?

David Garrick and James Lacy purchased the patent in 1747. Garrick is particularly remembered as one of the great stage actors and for advancing the Shakespearean tradition in English theatre during his tenure.

What significant change did Garrick implement regarding audience behavior within the theatre?

During David Garrick's management, spectators were barred from the stage itself for the first time. This measure aimed to maintain the separation between performers and the audience, enhancing the theatrical illusion.

Who was commissioned to renovate the theatre's interior in 1775, and what was a notable addition?

Robert Adam and his brother James were commissioned to renovate the theatre's interior in 1775. Their additions included an ornate ceiling and a stucco facade facing Bridges Street, which marked the first time a theatre structure directly abutted the street.

When did David Garrick sell his shares in the theatre, and to whom?

David Garrick sold his shares in the theatre in 1776 to the Irish playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan.

Which famous clown made his stage debut at Drury Lane in 1780, and what was he known for?

Joseph Grimaldi made his stage debut at Drury Lane in 1780. He became best known for developing the modern white-face clown and popularizing the role of Clown in pantomimes and harlequinades.

Who designed the third Drury Lane theatre, and what was its approximate spectator capacity?

The third Drury Lane theatre was designed by Henry Holland and opened in 1794. It was a cavernous theatre, accommodating more than 3,600 spectators.

What was the rationale behind building such a large theatre in 1794, and how did new technology facilitate this?

The rationale was to increase revenue, as owners believed that larger theatres were necessary to cover the significant expenses associated with running a major theatrical concern, despite a popular notion favoring smaller venues. New technology, such as iron columns replacing wood, allowed for the construction of five tiers of galleries, supporting the massive scale.

How did theatregoers and performers perceive the size of the 1794 theatre?

Many theatregoers and performers found the new theatre overwhelmingly large. It was described as a "wilderness of a place," and its size diminished the sense of intimacy and made it difficult for the audience to hear the actors.

When and where did an assassination attempt against King George III occur at the theatre?

An assassination attempt against King George III took place at the theatre on May 15, 1800. James Hadfield fired two pistol shots from the pit towards the King, who was seated in the royal box.

When did the third Drury Lane theatre burn down, and what famous quote is attributed to R.B. Sheridan?

The third Drury Lane theatre burned down on February 24, 1809, after only 15 years. Upon seeing the fire, R.B. Sheridan was famously reported to have said, "A man may surely be allowed to take a glass of wine by his own fireside."

Who designed the current Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, and when did it open?

The current Theatre Royal in Drury Lane was designed by Benjamin Dean Wyatt. It opened on October 10, 1812, with a production of *Hamlet*.

When was gas lighting first extended to the stage at Drury Lane, and what was its significance?

On September 6, 1817, gas lighting was extended from the audience area to the stage at Drury Lane. This made it the first British theatre to be fully gaslit, marking a significant advancement in stage illumination.

What spectacular elements were featured in the 1823 production of *Cataract of the Ganges*?

The 1823 production of *Cataract of the Ganges* featured a finale with a horseback escape up a flowing cataract, accompanied by the effect of fire raging all around. This highlighted the theatre's increasing use of elaborate stage effects.

Which actor made his reputation as Shylock in 1814 at Drury Lane, and what style of acting did he introduce?

Edmund Kean made his reputation as Shylock in 1814 at Drury Lane. He introduced a realistic, naturalistic style of acting, departing from the typical artificial bombast of the era.

What was the general financial outcome of most productions at Drury Lane during the 19th century?

Despite various management changes and notable productions, most theatrical ventures at Drury Lane during the 19th century were financial disasters. This led to a period of general decline for the theatre.

Under whose management did the theatre's fortunes improve starting in 1879, and what was a key focus of his era?

The theatre's fortunes improved under the management of Augustus Harris, beginning in 1879. Harris focused increased resources on the annual pantomime, making these spectacular Christmas shows a major success.

What was the run period for *Miss Saigon* at Drury Lane, and what is its significance?

*Miss Saigon* ran from 1989 to 1999, making it the theatre's longest-running show. Its extended run highlights the theatre's success with large-scale musical productions in the late 20th century.

When did Andrew Lloyd Webber purchase the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and who manages it now?

Andrew Lloyd Webber purchased the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 2000. Since 2014, it has been owned and managed by LW Theatres, Lloyd Webber's management company.

What was the cost of the 2013 renovation, and what did it mark?

The 2013 renovation cost £4 million and marked the theatre's 350th anniversary. This restoration aimed to return the public areas to their original Regency style.

How many of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musicals made their London debuts at Drury Lane, and what was the approximate duration of their run?

Four of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musicals made their London debuts at Drury Lane. They held the stage almost continuously for nearly a decade, from 1947 to 1956.

When did Disney's *Frozen* make its West End debut at Drury Lane, and what is the upcoming production scheduled for 2025?

Disney's *Frozen* made its West End debut at Drury Lane on August 27, 2021. The upcoming production scheduled for 2025 is Disney's *Hercules*.

What productions are scheduled for The Jamie Lloyd Company in 2024-2025?

The Jamie Lloyd Company has scheduled *The Tempest* for 2024-2025 and *Much Ado About Nothing* for 2025.

What is the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane considered in terms of hauntings, and what is the significance of ghost sightings?

The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane is considered one of the world's most haunted theatres. The appearance of its resident ghosts is believed to signal good luck for actors or productions.

Who is the most famous ghost said to frequent the theatre, and what is the legend behind him?

The most famous ghost is the "Man in Grey," described as an 18th-century nobleman. Legend states he is the ghost of a man whose skeletal remains were found in a walled-up passage in 1848, after he was reportedly killed by knife-stabs.

How is Joseph Grimaldi's ghost described as being helpful?

Joseph Grimaldi's ghost is reported to be a helpful apparition, purportedly guiding nervous actors skillfully on stage on more than one occasion.

What does the exterior image of the venue show during a production?

The exterior image of the venue shows the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane during a production of *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory*.

What does the 1809 engraving depict regarding the third Drury Lane theatre?

The 1809 engraving shows the third Drury Lane theatre from the north-east, looking down Russell Street at its intersection with Drury Lane. It specifically illustrates the rear of the theatre, including its dressing rooms and stage door.

What does the *Illustrated London News* depiction from 1865 show?

The *Illustrated London News* depiction from 1865 shows the final scene of a performance of Shakespeare's *King John* at the theatre.

What do the sketches by Phil May from the 1891 Pantomime represent?

The sketches by Phil May from the 1891 Pantomime represent characters from that era, including famous performers like Dan Leno, Marie Lloyd, and Little Tich.

What was the seating capacity of the current theatre when it opened in 1812?

The current theatre, which opened in 1812, seated 3,060 people, approximately 550 fewer than the previous building, though still considered very large.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane Wiki: Drury Lane: A Chronicle of London's Iconic Theatre

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The Grand Dame of London Theatre

A Legacy of Performance

The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, often simply called Drury Lane, stands as a testament to London's theatrical heritage. Located in Covent Garden, it is a Grade I listed building and the oldest theatre site in London still in continuous use, tracing its origins back to 1663. For centuries, it has been a premier venue for legitimate drama and spectacular musical productions, hosting legendary actors, playwrights, and composers.

Centuries of Transformation

First Theatre: Bridges Street (1663)

Established by Thomas Killigrew under a royal patent following the English Restoration, the original Theatre Royal opened in 1663 on Bridges Street. It was a three-tiered wooden structure that quickly became a hub for prominent actors like Nell Gwyn and Charles Hart. Despite its innovations in stagecraft, the theatre faced financial challenges and ultimately burned down in 1672.

Second Theatre: Drury Lane (1674)

Rebuilt on the same site and opening in 1674, this larger theatre served for nearly 120 years. It saw leadership from influential figures such as Colley Cibber and David Garrick. This era was marked by the evolution of Restoration comedy and the introduction of actresses to the English stage. The theatre's complex layout and management struggles were characteristic of the period.

Third Theatre: Holland's Design (1794)

Demolished in 1791, a third theatre designed by Henry Holland opened in 1794. This was a significantly larger venue, accommodating over 3,600 spectators, reflecting a trend towards grander productions. Despite its scale and architectural ambition, it suffered a devastating fire in 1809, after only 15 years of operation.

The Present Theatre: Wyatt's Masterpiece (1812)

The current Theatre Royal, designed by Benjamin Dean Wyatt, opened its doors in 1812. This structure, while still vast, made concessions towards intimacy compared to its predecessor. It introduced gas lighting throughout in 1817 and has undergone numerous renovations and additions over the centuries, including its significant 350th-anniversary restoration in 2013.

Architectural Evolution

From Restoration to Regency

The theatre's architectural journey reflects changing theatrical and societal tastes. Early designs featured elements of Elizabethan thrust stages and proscenium arch separation. The 1775 renovation by Robert Adam introduced the first on-street entrance and facade. Benjamin Dean Wyatt's 1812 design established the current theatre's footprint, with later additions like the Catherine Street portico and Russell Street colonnade shaping its exterior presence.

Key Features & Renovations

The theatre's interior has been a canvas for significant design work, including contributions from John Linnell and the ornate plasterwork of Clark and Fenn. Major renovations include the 1922 update, the post-WWII reopening, and the extensive 2013 restoration that returned public areas to their original Regency style. Today, it seats approximately 1,996 patrons across four levels.

A Stage for Legends

Landmark Musicals

Drury Lane has been synonymous with long-running, spectacular musicals. It hosted the London debuts of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classics like Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, and The King and I. Later decades saw acclaimed productions such as My Fair Lady, 42nd Street, Miss Saigon (the theatre's longest-running show), The Producers, and Disney's Frozen.

Notable Performers & Plays

The theatre's history is interwoven with the careers of countless theatrical luminaries. From the Restoration era's Nell Gwyn and John Dryden, through David Garrick's celebrated Shakespearean interpretations, to the comedic genius of Dan Leno and the musical prowess of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Drury Lane has consistently showcased top talent. It has also been a venue for significant plays and pantomimes.

Whispers from the Past: The Hauntings

The Man in Grey

The Theatre Royal is reputed to be one of the world's most haunted theatres. The most famous spectral resident is the "Man in Grey," a nobleman from the late 18th century. Legend states his remains were discovered in a walled-up passage in 1848, and his appearance is often seen as an omen of good luck for productions.

Other Apparitions

Other reported hauntings include the ghost of actor Charles Macklin, said to wander backstage in the corridor where he fatally wounded a fellow actor. The comedian Joseph Grimaldi is also believed to haunt the theatre, sometimes appearing as a helpful presence for nervous actors. The spirit of Dan Leno has also been sighted in dressing rooms.

Theatre Details

Venue Information

Address: Catherine Street, London, WC2, England

Coordinates: 51°30′47″N 00°07′13″W

Public Transit: Covent Garden (Underground)

Owner: LW Theatres

Designation: Grade I listed

Capacity: 1,996 (4 levels)

Original Opening: 1663

Current Building Opened: 1812

Website: lwtheatres.co.uk/theatre-royal-drury-lane/ (opens in new tab)

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References

The single roadway now named Catherine Street was for most of its history named Catherine Street in its southern portion and Bridges (or Brydges) street in its northern.

John Byng, later Viscount Torrington.[59]

Spiers, Theatres.

Hume, Robert D. "Theatre History 1660â1800: Aims, Materials, Methodology", in Players, Playwrights, Playhouses: Investigating Performance, 1660â1800, ed. Michael Cordner and Peter Holland, Palgrave Macmillan (2007), p. 23

Spiers, Companies.

H. van Thal (ed), Solo Recital: The Reminiscences of Michael Kelly, abridged with a Biographical Index (Folio Society, London 1972), pp. 282â288.

Morning Chronicle, 7 July 1815.

"Mr. Pitcher's Art" â Obituary, The Times, 3 March 1925

Peter Gammond, ed., The Oxford Companion to Popular Music (Oxford University Press, 1991), p. 228

A full list of references for this article are available at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding theatre history, architecture, or event planning. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Drury Lane: A Chronicle of London's Iconic Theatre

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Grand Dame of London Theatre 🏛️

🌟 A Legacy of Performance

Centuries of Transformation ⏳

1️⃣ First Theatre: Bridges Street (1663)

2️⃣ Second Theatre: Drury Lane (1674)

3️⃣ Third Theatre: Holland's Design (1794)

4️⃣ The Present Theatre: Wyatt's Masterpiece (1812)

Architectural Evolution 📐

🏗️ From Restoration to Regency

✨ Key Features & Renovations

A Stage for Legends 🎭

🎶 Landmark Musicals

🎤 Notable Performers & Plays

Whispers from the Past: The Hauntings 👻

👤 The Man in Grey

🎭 Other Apparitions

Theatre Details 💡

ℹ️ Venue Information

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Grand Dame of London Theatre

A Legacy of Performance

Centuries of Transformation

First Theatre: Bridges Street (1663)

Second Theatre: Drury Lane (1674)

Third Theatre: Holland's Design (1794)

The Present Theatre: Wyatt's Masterpiece (1812)

Architectural Evolution

From Restoration to Regency

Key Features & Renovations

A Stage for Legends

Landmark Musicals

Notable Performers & Plays

Whispers from the Past: The Hauntings

The Man in Grey

Other Apparitions

Theatre Details

Venue Information

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice