London Palladium Theatre

Theatre History

The History of The London Palladium Theatre

There has been a place of entertainment on the site of the London Palladium Theatre since 1870. The first hall was called 'The Corinthian Bazaar', then 'Hengler's Circus.' Later, a skating rink was fitted on the site of Hengler's Circus known as the National Skating Palace.

The Palladium, designed by Frank Matcham, opened on Boxing Day 1910 and began a tradition of presenting variety and West End Pantomimes. Originally named The Palladium, the theatre became The London Palladium in 1934.
In the 1950s, The London Palladium became a household name with the weekly live television variety show 'Sunday Night at The London Palladium'. In its heyday 28 million viewers tuned into the show which always opened with the Tiller Girls and closed with all the acts waving goodbye from the famous revolving stage. From the 1980's the London Palladium became synonymous with musicals such as 'The King and I' and 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'. In 2000 the theatre was acquired by Andrew Lloyd Webber 's Really Useful Theatre Company.