100 Years of Theatreland
If the fizz of champagne kept you awake on 20th February 2008 it was because the centenary celebration of London's Theatreland was in full swing. On 20th February 1908 the Society of West End Theatre (SWET) was formed leading to the official recognition of the West End as the heart of London Theatre.
Although the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane has been rebuilt several times, it originally opened in 1663 some 245 years before the official birth of theatreland. However, Theatreland as a distinct entity was more recognisably born when Sir Charles Wyndham led a group of prominent actors to form the beautifully named SWET in the Hyde Park Hotel on that historic night in February 1908.
In the hundreds of years since the start of theatre and drama in London's West End with the opening of the Theatre Royal, many plays, musicals and shows have been performed to many millions of audience members. From the modern classics of We Will Rock You and Avenue Q to old favourites such as Les Miserables and The Sound of Music, London's West End continues to evolve and offer some of the top theatre on show in the world.
Since the formation of SWET so many changes, developments and terminations have occurred including the birth and subsequent demise of such recent shows as Rent, whereas in complete contrast Phantom of the Opera continues to run after more than 20 years on the stage. As well as changes in the shows being performed, SWET underwent a change of its own by becoming SOLT (Society of London Theatre).
The West End has hosted some of the most amazing shows from Shakespeare to Oscar Wilde to Alan Bennett to Andrew Lloyd Webber. With such an abundance of riches on offer in London's West End, UK residents have no reason to look at Broadway with green eyes - the real talent is right here on our doorstep!.
Published by: James Pickard
