“Moulin Rouge! A dazzling spectacle” That’s what many call the current show at the Piccadilly Theatre. But this theatre’s story is far richer than its current production. Standing here before the Piccadilly Theatre you are facing a piece of London’s theatrical history.
The Piccadilly Theatre opened its doors on April 27 1928. Architect Bertie Crewe and Edward A Stone designed this beautiful building. Its Art Deco interior was breathtaking. The opening night featured Evelyn Laye in the musical Blue Eyes.
Soon the Piccadilly Theatre became a cinema showing talkies. Warner Brothers owned it for a while. In the 1940s it hosted both classics and new works. Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit premiered here. So did John Gielgud’s lavish production of Macbeth. Both shows thrived during the war. German bombs damaged the theatre during World War II. The theatre closed for repairs.
Later the Piccadilly Theatre hosted many musicals. Revivals proved more successful than premieres. Oliver! and Man of La Mancha both played here. So did Gypsy Grease Jersey Boys and more recently Moulin Rouge. Many famous actors graced the stage. Gladys Cooper Edith Evans and Angela Lansbury are just a few examples.
In the 1960s the theatre hosted the British premiere of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. The Beatles even recorded songs here for a BBC radio show. In the 1980s a unique theatre experiment transformed the auditorium into a nightclub. A show called i was planned but it failed before opening. The theatre then hosted numerous productions. Tom Stoppard and Willy Russell were just two playwrights featured.
The Piccadilly Theatre has hosted a surprising variety of entertainment over the years. It went from musicals to films to even a cabaret restaurant. Its place in London’s theatrical landscape is undeniable. From its Art Deco design to the legendary performances it continues to captivate audiences. The Piccadilly Theatre remains a vibrant hub for London’s theatrical scene. The theatre’s endurance and its ability to adapt to changing tastes have helped make it one of London’s most beloved theatres.