Theatres with Exquisite Architecture and Design

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Visiting a theatre in London is on the ‘must do’ list for many visitors and while the shows are the main attraction, many of London’s top theatres feature stunning architecture and grandeur, so you can enjoy your evening in beautiful surroundings with some top notch entertainment.

The London Palladium

The London Palladium is one of the most famous theatres in London’s West End and was designed by Frank Matcham, who also designed the London Coliseum theatre.

The facade of the building dates back to 1868 and is originally that of Argyll House, which is why the pub opposite is names the Argyll Arms.  The building was originally a temporary wooden building which housed an aviary and was designed to tempt customers from the Pantheon Bazaar. The building also became home to an aquatic display and an ice skating rink, both of which failed.

Frank Matcham then redesigned the building to become a theatre and still retains many of its original neoclassical features, though it’s famous, but outdated, revolving stage has since been removed.

he auditorium, which is tiered, is the second largest to be seen in a London theatre and is an impressive sight in itself. Add this to a richly ornamented lobby with a picturesque staircase and a fountain in the dress circle bar and you find yourself surrounded by elegance and grandeur on a big scale.

The Phoenix Theatre

The Phoenix Theatre was built in 1930 and is a mix of various styles. It features classic theatre architecture but with a hint of Art Deco style. The Phoenix Street entrance with its arches and columns, as well as the beautiful murals that decorate the auditorium could feature in any Victorian theatre but there are elements of modern 1930s style that really make the Phoenix stand out.

The mirrored corridors and the elaborate patterns that run throughout the interior, add a touch of pure 1930s modern elegance that make The Phoenix Theatre an excellent choice for seeing a show in refined, glamorous surroundings.

The London Coliseum

Another Frank Matcham designed theatre is the London Coliseum which is a superb historical building and is home to the English National Opera. In 1904 architect Frank Matcham joined forces with Oswald Stoll to build not only the largest, but also the finest theatre in London. The result is an impressive and striking building that can be seen from Trafalgar Square.

 The theatre was fully resorted in 2004 with the tower being fully restored and the curved glazed roofs on either side were reinstated and the interior was refurbished to its original decor designs. The theatre is easily one of the grandest in London today.

The Victoria Palace

Victoria Palace Theatre was rebuilt in 1910 when the Victoria Station and Victoria Street were both developed. It was once again designed by Frank Matcham and today it still retains much of its original character and features. The front of house and auditorium have recently been refurbished and the grey marble foyer is a work of art in itself with white Sicilian pillars and a gold mosaic. The external facade and canopy have both been restored to their previous elegance.

The Victoria Palace originally featured a gilded statue of ballerina Anna Pavlova but was removed in 1939 for safety reasons and disappeared from public view, never to be seen again. It is thought that it may have been used to make bullets for the war effort. In 2006 a replica statue was reinstated to the original position above the cupola and can now be seen gleaming above the theatre.

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