Imagine the Haymarket in 1705. The first theatre on this very site opened its doors as the Queen’s Theatre. This marked the beginning of a long and vibrant history for what we now know as His Majesty’s Theatre.
This spot has housed four different theatres. Each has its own unique story. Each has contributed to the rich cultural tapestry of London’s West End. The current His Majesty’s Theatre was constructed in 1897.
Throughout its existence, this theatre’s name has changed. The name has changed in accordance with the gender of the reigning British monarch. It was the Queen’s Theatre under Queen Anne. It became the King’s Theatre with the ascension of George I. During Queen Victoria’s reign, it was Her Majesty’s Theatre. With King Edward VII, it became His Majesty’s again. In 1952, it was renamed Her Majesty’s Theatre. Finally, in 2023, it reverted to His Majesty’s Theatre. This change happened to honor King Charles III.
John Vanbrugh and William Congreve managed the original Queen’s Theatre. In 1711, George Frideric Handel joined. Handel conducted his first opera at the Queen’s. This opera was Rinaldo. It established the venue as a premier opera house.
The second theatre was built in 1791. Mozart’s operas debuted in London here. These included La Clemenza de Tito, Così fan tutte, and The Magic Flute.
In 1867, tragedy struck. A fire destroyed the second theatre. But from the ashes rose a third theatre.
The Carl Rosa Opera Company performed here. This was from 1879 to 1882. Also, the first complete performance of Wagner’s Ring cycle happened at His Majesty’s Theatre in 1882.
The current His Majesty’s Theatre was designed by Charles J. Phipps. Herbert Beerbohm Tree commissioned it. The grand opening took place on April 28, 1897. The opening play was Gilbert Parker’s The Seats of the Mighty.
Tree had an apartment in the theatre’s dome. There, he founded the Academy of Dramatic Art in 1904. It later became the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art RADA.
This theater has hosted countless memorable productions. Chu Chin Chow opened in 1916. It ran for a record-breaking 2,235 performances.
West Side Story premiered here in 1958. Fiddler on the Roof opened in 1967. It played for an impressive 2,030 performances.
Today, His Majesty’s Theatre is famous for one show. That is The Phantom of the Opera. Its world premiere was in 1986. The Phantom of the Opera is the second-longest-running musical in the West End.
The theatre has a seating capacity of 1,216 across four levels. LW Theatres owns His Majesty’s Theatre today.
As you stand here, take a moment. Consider the layers of history beneath your feet. His Majesty’s Theatre is more than just a building. It is a living monument. It is a testament to the enduring power of theatre.