Isn’t it thrilling to stand before the Theatre Royal Stratford East? This grand building has been a cultural hub since 1884. It stands proudly in the heart of Stratford.
The Theatre Royal Stratford East is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to the power of theatre. It is a place where stories come alive. Architect James George Buckle designed it. Charles Dillon commissioned it. It’s Buckle’s only surviving work.
Originally, the theatre stood on the site of a wheelwright’s shop. It was on Salway Road near Angel Lane. The opening performance was a revival of Richelieu. Edward Bulwer-Lytton wrote it.
Did you know that the Theatre Royal Stratford East almost had a different name? For a short time it was called Theatre Royal and Palace of Varieties. Side extensions were added in 1887. The stage got bigger in 1891.
Frank Matcham made minor improvements to the entrance and foyer in 1902. The theatre finally reverted to its original name in 1914.
Imagine the panic on August Bank Holiday Monday in 1921. A fire broke out backstage. The safety curtain saved the auditorium. The Theatre Royal Stratford East closed until January 1922.
The Fredericks family managed the theatre until 1932. After World War One, financial struggles began. The Theatre Royal Stratford East opened irregularly after 1926. Look above the proscenium arch. You’ll see the letters “FF”. These letters commemorate the Fredericks family. Legend says the theatre will crumble if they are ever removed.
The Theatre Royal Stratford East closed again in 1938. It stayed closed until 1943. David Horne took over in 1946. The theatre became a successful playhouse. Patrick Hamilton’s Gaslight premiered here with Sybil Thorndike and Derek Bond. It ran for six months. It was the theatre’s first West End transfer.
The Theatre Workshop company took over in 1953. Joan Littlewood was the artistic director. Her statue stands outside the theatre today. The Theatre Royal Stratford East became famous under Littlewood. Productions like A Taste of Honey and Oh, What a Lovely War! gained international acclaim.
The Stratford shopping centre threatened the theatre in the 1970s. A public campaign saved it. English Heritage protected it with a Grade II* listing in 1972. In 2001, the front of house and backstage areas were refurbished. This was part of the Olympiad’s Stratford Cultural Quarter project.
Five Guys Named Moe premiered at the Theatre Royal Stratford East in 1990. It transferred to the West End immediately. It won an Olivier Award. In 2004, The Big Life became the first British Black musical to transfer to the West End.
In 2005, The Harder They Come transferred to the West End as well. Perry Henzel wrote this musical. It became one of the theatre’s most successful productions.
Nadia Fall became artistic director in 2018. The Theatre Royal Stratford East continues to break new ground. It engages with London’s diverse communities. The stories told here reflect the experiences of local people.
The Theatre Royal Stratford East acquired a new cafe and studio in 2016. It’s called Gerry’s. Lisa Spirling is replacing Nadia Fall in Spring 2025.
Remember the Theatre Royal Stratford East. It is a place of history, innovation and community. It’s a place where the magic of theatre continues to inspire.