Have you ever heard of a theatre that started as a draper’s shop? Right here in London’s West End, a magnificent structure known as the Prince Edward Theatre stands tall, its rich history woven into the very fabric of the city. Before it became a renowned stage for musicals and plays, the site was home to a thriving business, “The Emporium” owned by Messrs. William Reddan & Son. For almost a century, it catered to the fashionable women of London, including members of the Royal Family. Sadly, “The Emporium” was demolished in 1929, giving way to the construction of the Prince Edward Theatre.
Designed by Edward A. Stone, the Prince Edward Theatre opened its doors on April 3, 1930, with a production of the musical “Rio Rita.” The interior was elegantly adorned in the Art Deco style, a testament to the era’s love for geometric patterns and bold colors. Initially, the Prince Edward Theatre struggled to gain popularity. “Rio Rita” had a brief run, and subsequent shows like “Nippy” and “Fanfare” didn’t fare much better. But even the famous Josephine Baker, in her London debut, couldn’t make much of an impression on audiences.
However, the Prince Edward Theatre’s fate took an intriguing turn in 1936 when it was transformed into a cabaret restaurant named the London Casino. It was a hit, generating more revenue than any other entertainment venue in London. When the war broke out, the theatre was turned into a “Forces Theatre” called the Queensberry All-Services Club, featuring shows broadcast on the BBC. After the war, it was converted back into a theatre, once again becoming the London Casino.
The stage of the Prince Edward Theatre has witnessed numerous transformations, including its conversion into a Cinerama cinema in 1954, and then back into a theatrical space in 1978. The theatre found its stride in the 1970s and 1980s, hosting the world premiere of the iconic musical “Evita” in 1978. The show ran for almost eight years, solidifying the Prince Edward Theatre’s place in the West End. This theatre has played host to a multitude of productions, from the charming “Mary Poppins” to the vibrant “Mamma Mia!,” and continues to enchant audiences with its captivating performances.