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Euston Palace of Varieties, Euston Road and Tonbridge Street, King's Cross.
Later - The Euston Theatre / Euston Musical Hall / Regent Theatre

0f the making of new theatres there really appears to be no end, for within the last few days two have been thrown open. Both are in St. Pancras- namely, the Camden Theatre, in Camden Town, and the New Euston Theatre of Varieties, opposite the Midland Terminus. The first-named theatre was fully, described and pictured in The Sketch many weeks ago, but, owing to certain unavoidable delays in the preparations of those concerned, it has not been possible to describe and picture the New Euston until now.

Right - A Glimpse of the Auditorium and stage of the New Euston Theatre of Varieties - From 'The Sketch' December 26th 1900

One wonders why so busy a thoroughfare of London as this part of the Euston Road should have been so long neglected in the matter of arnusement-temples. For the vast crowds of visitors and others pouring in and out all day long from the Midland, the Great Northern, and the Euston Termini there has been no place of amusement for a mile or so around. Nothing, indeed, but the Grand, Islington, Collins' Music-Hall, and the Agricultural Hall, a good way North ; and the Oxford, the Bedford, and the Metropolitan Music Halls, a long way West. At last, however, thanks to the enterprise of Messrs. G. Adney Payne (the Managing Director), Mr. Henry Gros (the Chairman), Mr. Henry Tozer, and Mr. Joseph Davis, this long-felt want has now been supplied.

As will be seen from the illustrations, the Euston is indeed a palatial building, not only as regards its imposing exterior, but also as regards its really beautiful auditorium. In addition to the cosiness and the splendid line-of-sight which the architects, Messrs. Wylson and Long, have achieved, this interior is full of artistic merit. In proof of this, it is only necessary to call attention to the specimens given of the charming paintings which Mr. J. M. Bookbinder, has contributed to certain parts of the said auditorium. (shown left and below) - These paintings alone are worth a long journey to see, and certain it is that the patrons who will twice per night fill London's latest magnificent Variety Theatre will murmur admiration for these pictures. They are surely among the very best with which this artist has embellished many leading theatres and Music-Halls, to say nothing of noble mansions by the score.

The, Directors (with them Mr. Fred A. McAvoy as Manager) promise at least ten of the best turns per "house." Moreover, their stage being fifty-six feet wide and forty-six feet deep, they will be able to present many a large-sized spectacular show, for which Mr. T. E. Ryan will paint the scenery. Finally, it may be said that the New Euston is indeed a thing of beauty, and ought to be a joy at least throughout the next New Century, if not longer. If it is not, it will be through no fault of the theatre, or of its architects or management.

Above and Right - Specimens of the Mural Decorations at the new Euston Theatre of Varieties. - From 'The Sketch' December 26th 1900.

The Euston Theatre of Varieties was built by Bertie Crewe and Wylson & Long and opened on 26th December, 1900 with a capacity of 1,310. The Theatre was in use as a Cinema from the mid 30s to 1950. It was then renamed the Regent Theatre and was back in Theatrical use until its demolition in 1960.

Right - Souvenir Programme for 'Cinderella' at the Regent Theatre, King's Cross 1950 for its 50th year.

Programme Extracts

DID YOU KNOW ? That when the "Regent" opened in 1900 it was known as " The Euston Theatre of Varieties"?

That it was described as one of London's "classy", Music Halls and such stars as Marie Lloyd, Daisy Dormer, Chirgwin, Mark Sheridan and Little Tich appeared here?

That in 1920, under the management of Sir Barry Jackson it was re-named the Regent Theatre, and that famous plays, including "Abraham Lincoln" and " St. Joan" were produced here?

That from 1925 to 1932 the London Repertory Company staged a further series of noteworthy plays. In 1935 it became a Cinema.

1950

DO YOU KNOW ? That our Stage Lighting is the most modern in the world and that no other theatre is fully equipped with fluorescent stage lighting?

That we are equipped with the finest Stereophonic Amplification?

And---getting down to more personal matters-you can book any seat in the Theatre and enjoy your favourite drink in any of the three Bars. There's one on each floor!