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The Aldwych Theatre, Aldwych, London, W.C.2

Above - The Aldwych Theatre whilst in production for the musical 'Dirty Dancing' in October 2006.

The Aldwych Theatre was designed by W G R Sprague and built by Walter Wallis of Balham for Seymour Hicks. The Theatre opened on the 23rd of December 1905 with a production of 'Blue Bell' which was a new rendition of 'Bluebell in Fairyland,' by Seymor Hicks and Walter Slaughter, first produced at the Vaudeville Theatre in 1901. The Theatre had a stage 31' 10" wide by 30' high and 37' deep and in 1950 it was recorded as having a capacity of 1100.

The ERA said on its opening: 'Mr Sprague has not only introduced into his architectural scheme the latest improvements in theatre construction, but has also made certain departures which are all in the right direction. The decorations are in the Georgian style and the general appearance of the interior of the building is pleasing in the extreme. Handsome and ornate it certainly is, but the words that correctly describe the impression conveyed by a first glance round, are cosy and comfortable. The prevailing scheme in crimson, cream and gold and the contrast with Rose du Barri draperies and upholstery is striking and artistically effective. One of the innovations that will be greatly appreciated by the male members of the audience is a commodious 'smokers' gallery' above the entrance hall.'

Left - The Aldwych Theatre - From a period postcard.

The Theatre was built as part of the Aldwych reconstruction which began at the turn of the Twentieth Century. Four theatres were demolished when London's Aldwych, named after the Old Wych Street, was constructed. This vast operation began in the last years of the nineteenth century and was not finally completed until after the First World War. The Olympic Theatre in Wych Street and the Opera Comique in the Strand were closed in 1899, the Globe Theatre in Newcastle Street shut its doors in 1902. This was followed by the closure of the Gaiety Theatre in the Strand in June of the same year.

Right - A Programme for 'Three Sisters' at the Aldwych Theatre which opened on Thursday 3rd May 1951.

The Aldwych Theatre was constructed at the bottom corner of Drury Lane which also houses the fourth and present Theatre Royal Drury Lane which has been open since 1812 and the New London Theatre, formerly the Mogul Saloon / Middlesex Music Hall / Middlesex Theatre of Varieties and the Winter Garden Theatre.

Right - The Aldwych Theatre, Waldorf Hotel, and the Waldorf Theatre complex in 1912 - From a period postcard.

The Aldwych Theatre was part of a vast new building consisting of the Aldwych Theatre itself, The new Waldorf Hotel in the center, and at the far end, The Waldorf Theatre, now the Novello Theatre. Both Theatres were designed by W. G. R. Sprague and given identical exteriors.

Above - The Waldorf Hotel with the Waldorf (now Novello) Theatre (left) and the Aldwych Theatre (right) c.1906. The corner of the Gaiety Theatre may just be seen at the extreme left foreground. Opposite the Waldorf Theatre, on Catherine Street is the 'unique site' which because of an Ancient Lights ruling remained vacant until 1925 when the Duchess Theatre was built on part of it. On the horizon, behind the Aldwych Theatre may be glimpsed some of the roof of Drury Lane Theatre. Bedford Lemere took the photograph from the rear of the site now occupied by India House. To his right would have been the sites of two recently demolished theatres, The Globe (1868 - 1902) and the Opera Comique (1870 - 1899). Text and image from 'Theatrephile' Volume 2 No.6 Spring 1985.

Above - The Aldwych Theatre whilst in production for the musical 'Dirty Dancing' in October 2006 - Photo M.L. The picture also shows the rear of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane beyond the scaffolding on the left up Drury Lane itself.

In 2006 The Aldwych Theatre is owned by the American, James Nederlander, and operated by Michael Codron Plays whose own Website can be found here. This includes an interesting page on the history of the Aldwych Theatre. The Aldwych is currently in production for the stage musical version of the highly successful film 'Dirty Dancing' which opens at the Theatre on the 24th October 2006.

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