The capital city certainly isn’t thin on the ground when it comes to its theatrical offering, is it? From enormous auditoriums to small-scale studios, there are plenty of places to head to in London if you’re in the mood to be enthralled, inspired, or entertained by a bunch of talented thespians. But only one pioneering playhouse boasts the accolade of being the oldest theatre in town. And that, my friends, is the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Having been showing Londoners a good time since it first set up shop in 1663, Theatre Royal Drury Lane is actually thought to be the oldest theatre in the world that’s still in continuous use. Pretty impressive, hey? Boasting a life-span as lengthy as it does, this historic hotspot has got as many stories to tell off stage as it does on stage. And having just been named one of the most haunted theatres in the UK, we thought it was a pretty great time to tell you all about it.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane’s earliest building was constructed back in 1663 by Thomas Killigrew under a Royal Charter from King Charles II. A fair bit smaller than the building that’s perched proudly in the heart of Covent Garden today, the entirety of the original theatre was roughly only the size of the present-day playhouse’s stage. So it’s come a long way in the past 363 years, to say the least.
The original building was destroyed in a fire in 1672, and a second site swiftly opened its doors just two years later. The second iteration of Theatre Royal Drury Lane survived far longer than the one that came before it, and remained in operation for 117 years before being demolished to make way for a much larger venue to cater to the rapidly rising popularity of theatre. The third edition of Theatre Royal Drury Lane arrived in 1794 and was big enough to hold a whopping 3,600 people. Unfortunately third time was not a charm in this case, and despite the fact that the world’s very first safety curtain was installed inside, this building also burnt down in a fire.
From the ashes of its predecessors came the building that we know and love. The Theatre Royal Drury Lane in its current form arrived in London in 1812, courtesy of designer, Benjamin Wyatt. The fourth version of this legendary locale is now Grade I listed, and has well and truly stood the test of time – still boasting many of its original features to this very day.
Theatrical royalty (and actual royalty, for that matter) have been gracing the building for many years now, and the stage has seen some of London’s most ambitious and spectacular shows performed upon it. From Oklahoma and Oliver! to Carousel and A Chorus Line; Theatre Royal Drury Lane continues to lead the way in the world of West End theatre. And it’s currently home to the critically-acclaimed revival of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Theatre-lovers from across the globe continue to plonk themselves down in one of the 2,196 seats found inside this iconic establishment. But it’s not just the living folk that do so, apparently. Theatre Royal Drury Lane has been named on the UK’s most haunted theatre, and its hallowed hallways are believed to be home to a whole host of ghostly goings on. The theatre’s best-known ghost is ‘The Man in Grey’ who reportedly appears from time to time wearing period clothing and a three-cornered hat before disappearing through a wall near the Royal Box. Eek!
📍 You’ll find Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Catherine Street, WC2B 5JF.
🚇 The nearest station is Covent Garden.
