Adelphi Theatre – Famous London West End Theatre

London, Adelphi Theatre, London Theatres, London Musicals

Visiting a famous historical Theatre in London.

For many years I have dreamt of visiting a famous or historical theatre in a big city. My dream came true when I went to see Chicago the Musical in one of London´s famous West End theaters. The beautiful Adelphi Theatre was the place to be. How I envy people living in Europe. They get to visit beautiful theatres and see the latest productions.

London, Adelphi Theatre, London Theatres, London Musicals
The inside of the theatre. Image courtesy of Adelphi Theatre.

The history of the Adelphi Theatre in London.

The Adelphi Theatre has a very interesting history that dates back to the early 1900´s. A merchant and his daughter founded it in 1806 and named it Sans Pareil. Over the years ownership changed hands many times and productions varied from French Operettas, English comic opera and even Charles Dickens stories that had been adapted for the stage.

“It is the destiny of the theatre nearly everywhere and in every period to struggle even when it is flourishing.”  ~Howard Taubman, 1964

It was during this time that the original building was demolished. The new Adelphi had seating place for 1,500 people  and standing room for 500. Not only did the theatre cater for dramas and plays but the theatre had it’s own drama when a murder was committed there! An actor who regularly performed at the theatre was stabbed to death in 1897 and some people believe his ghost haunts the theatre.

The Adelphi had seen many successful musical comedies like: The Girl and the Earl (1904), The Dairymaids (1907), The Quacker Girl (1910), The Boy (1917), Clowns in Clover (1927) and Mr. Cinders (1929).

But it wasn’t until December 1930 when the newly restored theatre ,who now boasted an art-deco interior became really popular and famous. For the opening Jessie Matthews starred in the production called Ever Green.

Over the years the front-of-house areas of the theatre had been restored to its former original luster. In 1993 Andre Lloyd Webber became co-owner and opened his musical production Sunset Boulevard.

Since then the theatre had seen many famous productions like: Evita, Chicago, Me and My Girl and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Me and My Girl originally starring Robert Lindsay and Emma Thompson had the longest run of nine years!

From February 2010, the Adelphi Theatre has been host to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical Love never dies.

Inside the Adelphi Theatre.

I was very impressed with the theatre and the services that they offered. On arrival we were welcomed with a glass of champagne. The theatre inside is really beautiful. The seats are very comfortable and I had a great view of the stage. The sound was superb and the theatre provided a relaxed atmosphere.

Public Transport to the Adelphi Theatre.

The nearest underground stations to the Adelphi Theatre are Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) and Charing Cross/Embankment (District, Circle, Northern and Bakerloo lines).

Where to purchase tickets to events at the Adelph Theatre?

Tickets can be purchased from outlets in London or from See Tickets.

The theatre does not allow visitors to take photos.

I have been fortunate to have done quite a bit of travelling. By heart I am an adventurer and I love exploring new places, cultures and food. Travelling can become stressful and expensive. Over the years I have learnt to travel as cost effective as possible, simply by travelling more clever. Nelmitravel.com is a Adventure and Budget Travel site where I review Airlines, Accommodation, Transport, Restaurants and give helpful travel information.

17 Comments

  1. I went to see 'Chicago' there with DD, can't recall which year exactly. Quite a vibrant performance and luckily when all seats were not filled we were able to move closer. Interesting to read about the history of the theatre. Yes I agree nice to have theatre in easy reach, and often there are concessions, which is v helpful!

  2. What a beautiful theater! You are so fortunate to have been able to visit Nelieta…I love going to the theater and concerts! Hubby and I go to a few in Nashville, but I hope to also visit one of these famous theaters and see a show one day.Thank you for another wonderful trip! 🙂

  3. Been to Broadway, but haven't been to the West End yet. Also a dream of mine. I love theater, but it's expensive here in my country. Only the elite can truly afford to regularly see stage productions. Anyway, I didn't know about Adelphi. Even its art deco facade is worth seeing. 🙂

  4. I have heard so much about theatres in London from people who have gone and watched a play, that it is an experience worth having at least once in your lifetime. I hope to someday watch a play. Lucky you Nelieta!

  5. Hi Becky, I love going to concerts and the theatre. Unfortunately I don´t visit many theatres and that is a pity. This theatre is really beautiful. I will be posting soon about the actual show.

  6. Thanks Syed, I was lucky 🙂 Me too one of the best performance but unfortunately I haven´t seen it in theatre. The one that is now performing there "Love never dies" is the sequel to The Phantom 🙂

  7. It's also my dream to see a Broadway musical in a historical theater. Speaking of theater, I've been procrastinating about booking a show at the Opera House, that will do for now until I could watch one at West End 🙂

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