Isn’t it amazing that this site has transformed so much? This is the Gillian Lynne Theatre. It stands on the corner of Drury Lane and Parker Street. But it wasn’t always a theatre.
Let’s dive into the story of the Gillian Lynne Theatre. It began as the Mogul Music Hall in 1847. It was later known as the Middlesex Music Hall. In 1911, the old building was torn down. A new building rose in its place. It was named the Winter Garden.
The Winter Garden was extensively redecorated in 1919. It hosted Jerome Kern’s musical “Sally” in 1921. But in 1959, the Rank Organisation sold the building. It sat neglected for years.
A revolutionary modern building replaced it. This new building was meant to be a lecture theatre. It was also intended as a conference center. The New London Theatre opened in 1972. Marlene Dietrich’s televised concert was the first performance.
Between 1977 and 1980, the New London Theatre became a TV studio. Championship snooker and “This is Your Life” were broadcast here. It still functioned as a conference center.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical “Cats” arrived. The New London became primarily a theatre again. In 1991, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group bought the theatre. “Cats” became the longest-running West End musical. Its final performance was broadcast on a large screen in Covent Garden in 2002.
The theatre underwent a complete overhaul after “Cats”. Original stage machinery was replaced. The architect Paul Tvrtkovic added amazing new features. A sixty-foot wide revolve was installed. It turned the entire stage and orchestra pit.
The New London hosted several productions this century. These included “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. “War Horse” transferred here from the National Theatre until 2016.
In 2018, the New London Theatre was renamed. It became the Gillian Lynne Theatre. This honored Gillian Lynne. She was the choreographer of “Cats”. She was a pioneer of British musical theatre and dance. It is the first West End theatre named after a woman.
The Gillian Lynne Theatre has a unique design. It features a revolve. This allows the stage configuration to be altered. In 1977, Thames TV used the theatre regularly. They used Marconi Mk VII cameras. The OB truck barely fit into the car park. It had to be pushed in sideways.
The theatre has a thrust stage. This juts into the auditorium. Seats are on three sides. Some seats offer side views. But every seat provides a close view of the action.
The Gillian Lynne Theatre has a rich history. It has transformed from a music hall to a TV studio. It is now a celebrated West End theatre. It continues to host amazing productions.