The Palace Theatre (Established 1891) (London)
Dates
- Existence: Established 1891
- Usage: c1891 - 1894
- Usage: c1894 - 1911
Biography
The Palace Theatre of Varieties is Grade II listed theatre in the West End theatre of London.
The Palace was commissioned by Richard D'Oyly Carte and opened as the Royal English Opera House in January 1891. The venture did not proof financially successful and D’Oyly sold it to become a grand music hall, named the Palace Theatre of Varieties, combining variety and music hall acts with films from 1897. In 1904, Alfred Butt became manager and continued to combine variety entertainment, including dancing girls, with films.
In 1911 the theatre was renamed The Palace Theatre. In 1912, the theatre hosted the first Royal Variety Performance in Britain, commanded by King George V. During the First World War, the theatre presented revues, and Maurice Chevalier became known to British audiences. After the war, the variety shows declined and the theatre was mainly used as a cinema.
In 1983, Andrew Lloyd Webber purchased the building and began a series of renovations. In April 2012, Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group sold The Palace Theatre to Nimax Theatres.
Found in 5 Collections and/or Records:
Cyril Critchlow Collection
Programmes for Circus, Magic and Variety Shows, c1890 - 1999
Circus, magic and variety show programmes including the Great Ohmy Circus, John Sanger Circus, Bertram Mills Circus and variety shows at various locations in Blackpool, London, Manchester and other theatres in England. Some of the variety performers showcased are Morecambe and Wise, Hetty King, Mae West, Bob Hope, Shirley Bassey, Larry Lamb and Cliff Richards.
The Palace Theatre of Variety Programme, 24 December 1900
The Palace Theatre Programme, 29 September 1914
Black and white illustration of a woman with a large black hat on the front cover, inside commercial advertisments and programme in the centre listing G.S. Melvin, Michal Braham and his dog, The Passing Show and The Palace Bioscope, 12p.p.
The Palace Theatre Programme, 22 September 1914
Black and white illustration of a woman with a large black hat on the front cover, inside commercial advertisements and programme in the centre listing G.S. Melvin, Michal Braham and his dog, The Passing Show and The Palace Bioscope, 12p.p.