The Victoria Apollo Theatre is a historic theatre located in London’s West End. It was originally built in 1901 as the Hicks Theatre, named after actor-manager Seymour Hicks, who financed its construction.
Over the years, the theatre has undergone several name changes and renovations. In 1910, it was renamed the Globe Theatre, and in 1920 it was renamed the Gielgud Theatre in honor of the famous British actor John Gielgud. In 1979, it was renamed the Apollo Theatre.
Throughout its history, the theatre has been home to many notable productions, including the original West End productions of Noël Coward’s “Private Lives” and “Blithe Spirit,” and Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” which has been running continuously since 1952 and is the longest-running play in the world.
In 2013, during a performance of the play “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” a portion of the theatre’s ceiling collapsed, injuring several people. The theatre was subsequently closed for several months for repairs and renovations.
Today, the Victoria Apollo Theatre continues to be a popular venue for theatre productions, with a seating capacity of over 700.
The Victoria Apollo Theatre is located on Shaftesbury Avenue in London’s West End, which is known for its concentration of theatres and entertainment venues. The theatre is owned and operated by Nimax Theatres, a leading theatre company in London.
The theatre’s interior is designed in a traditional Victorian style, with ornate decoration and plush red seating. The stage is large and versatile, allowing for a wide range of productions to be staged.
In addition to “The Mousetrap,” the Victoria Apollo Theatre has been home to many other successful productions over the years, including the musicals “Hair” and “Wicked,” and plays such as “The History Boys” and “The 39 Steps.”
The theatre has also hosted a number of famous performers, including actors Laurence Olivier, Judi Dench, and Ian McKellen, and musicians such as David Bowie and Elton John.
In recent years, the Victoria Apollo Theatre has undergone renovations and upgrades to improve its facilities and modernize its infrastructure, including the installation of air conditioning and improved accessibility for disabled patrons.
Despite its age, the Victoria Apollo Theatre remains a popular destination for theatre-goers in London and around the world, and continues to play a significant role in the city’s vibrant theatre scene.
