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The Prince Of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street, London, W1

Formerly The Prince's Theatre

Other Leicester Square Theatres and Cinemas

Above - The Prince Of Wales Theatre during the phenomenally successful run of 'Mama Mia.'

The Prince of Wales Theatre which stands on the corner of Coventry Street and Oxendon Street in London's Leicester Square is actually the second Theatre to be built on the site since the late 19th century.

The first Theatre on the site opened as the Prince's Theatre on the 18th of January 1884 with a production of the Comedy 'The Palace of Truth' by W. S. Gilbert, of Gilbert & Sulivan fame, and a production of the Comedy 'In Honour Bound,' by Sydney Grundy. The Prince's Theatre, with a capacity of 1,062, was built by the prolific Theatre Architect C.J. Phipps as part of a development which also included an Hotel and Restaurant.

Edgar Bruce, who had previously been actor manager at the Prince of Wales Theatre in Tottenham Street since 1880 and had made a large profit from his production there of 'The Colonel,' by F. C. Bernand, was forced to leave that Theatre when it was condemned by the Metropolitan Board of Works in 1882.

Left - An early postcard depicting the original Prince of Wales Theatre, London.

Right - A Programme for 'L'Enfant Prodigue' at the original Prince of Wales Theatre in 1891 - Click to see the entire programme.

Flush with his success at the Tottenham Street Theatre he purchased land in Coventry Street and set about having a new Theatre built for him there. The Theatre opened as the Prince's in 1884 but would be renamed the Prince of Wales Theatre on October the 4th 1886 for the opening of the Comic Opera 'La Bearnaise' when the other Theatre of the same name in Tottenham Street had been taken over by the Salvation Army to be used as a Hostel.

A week before the official opening of the new Prince's Theatre The ERA published a review of the building in their 12th of January 1884 edition (reprinted in Mander & Mitchenson's 'Theatres of London') which read:

'The important block of buildings which has gradually been rising in Coventry Street, comprises the Prince's Hotel and Restaurant in Whitcomb and Coventry Streets, and the Prince's Theatre at the corner of Coventry and Oxenden Streets. The last is now completed, and will be opened to the public on the 18th inst. Although externally the two buildings form ostensibly one grand pile, yet they are entirely distinct, and separated by an open space at the rear. The theatre has been built for Mr Bruce by Messrs W. and D. McGregor from the designs and under the superintendence of Mr J. C. Phipps.'

Right - An image of the original Prince's Theatre and the Prince's Hotel - From a programme for 'La Poupee' in 1897.

The ERA went on to say: 'The scheme of the theatre includes stalls and pit on the street level, balcony of six rows on the first floor, first circle of six rows on second floor, and gallery on the third floor, with eight private boxes on either side of the proscenium. Round each there is a corridor with brick walls separating them from the auditorium and every entrance staircase is external to the walls of the theatre proper.'

The ERA continued later in their piece about the Theatre saying: 'A picture painted by Mr Padgett forms the central feature in the tympanum of the pediment.

Left - A Programme for 'La Poupee' at the Prince of Wales Theatre in 1897 - Click for details.

From this part the ceiling slopes up to the very back of the gallery, the circular line of the front of the gallery being carried on to the ceiling by mouldings, from which springs, what may be called a series of fan shaped panels to pilasters and flat arches at the back. The general tone of the decoration is ivory white, cream colour and gold, the gilding being in large masses.

Right - A Programme for 'King of Cadonia' at the Prince of Wales Theatre in 1908 - Click for details.

Rich colour is derived from the hangings, which are of red orange plush, terracotta being used for the background on the walls. Mr Padgett's picture represents 'Pan and the Nymph,' the deep blue of the background showing up the figures in strong relief.

The ERA continues:'The audience to the stalls after leaving the vestibule descend by a spacious staircase through a foyer, which is decorated and fitted up in the Moorish style, and under the vestibule is a circular room, also in the Moorish style, for smoking, having a grotto constructed under the street.' The ERA 12th of January 1884.

Left - The Playgoer of 1910 on the play 'Inconstant George' which was produced at the Prince of Wales Theatre in 1910 - Click for details.

Right - A Programme for 'Follies Bergere - Paris Fantaisie' at the Prince of Wales Theatre in 1933 - Click for details.

The Second Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street

On the 16th of January 1937 the last production at the original Prince of Wales Theatre, a revue called 'Encore Les Dames,' came to an end and the Theatre closed its doors for the final time. The old Theatre was then quickly demolished so that a new Theatre of the same name could be built on the site. The foundation stone for the new Prince Of Wales Theatre was laid by Gracie Fields on the 17th of June 1937.

Above - After laying the foundation stone of the new Prince Of Wales Theatre in London in June 1937, Gracie Fields sings to the workmen. (Note that part of the old theatre auditorium is still visible in this picture) - From the archives of the Radio Times Hulton Picture Library

This second Prince of Wales Theatre was built by Marfic LTD., and designed by the well known Theatre Architect Robert Cromie who very cleverly managed to fit a larger auditorium with seating for 1,139 in two tiers, and a larger stage, into a space no bigger than the earlier Theatre. The site was restricted by the fact that the rest of the block, built at the same time as the original Theatre, remained in place.

Left - The 1937 Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street, in its original form, whilst the production of 'The Full Monty' was playing at the Theatre in 2002- Photo M.L.

After demolition of the earlier Theatre the foundation stone for the new one was laid by Gracie Fields on the 17th of June 1937 and by October the new Theatre had been built.

The new Prince of Wales Theatre opened on the 27th of October 1937 with a production of the Review 'Les Folies de Paris et Londres,' which was a continuation of the non stop reviews which had been staged successfully at the earlier Theatre since 1932, first by Charles Clore, and then later by Alfred Esdaile.

Right - A Programme for 'Revue Folies de Can-Can' at the new Prince of Wales Theatre in 1938 - Click to see the entire programme.

In the 'Revue Folies De Can-Can' Programme shown right Alfred Esdaile wrote a piece about the new and old Prince of Wales Theatres which I have reproduced below. These reviews were an attempt at an English version of the well known French 'Folies Bergeres' and continued at the Theatre until the Musical Comedy 'Present Arms' opened in May 1940.

Dear Patrons.

The opening revue of the new theatre was an undoubted success as you are probably aware.

In spite of the fact that the theatre was closed for close on a year for rebuilding, when we re-opened it last October with identically the same policy it was soon obvious that our old friends and patrons had not forgotten us, for they simply flocked to see the biggest non-stop revue which has ever been staged in London.

Right - Photograph of Alfred Esdaile - From a Programme for 'Revue Folies de Can-Can' at the Prince of Wales Theatre in 1938 - Click to see the entire programme.

Without a doubt "Les Folies de Paris et Londres" was far and away the most elaborate and ambitious non-stop entertainment ever devised. The new theatre, large and luxurious, with every modern stage contraption and convenience only added to the splendour of this magnificent entertainment, which, after a run of over 400 performances, and playing to many thousands of people, came to an end on Saturday. February 19th.

We have always prided ourselves on being able to prophesy the length of our runs on the first night of a new show. With a theatre twice as large as the old one we frankly thought that if we gave our first show a four months' run - equal to 8 months in the old theatre, which was half the size - we would not only be asking a lot of it but would also be giving it as long a run as we dared. Happily, or unhappily as the case may be, for once we were wrong. "Les Folies de Paris et Londres" could vastly have run several more weeks with business as it was, and the West End very full just now of visitors to London for the British Industries Fair and other things which always send theatre receipts up with a bang.

However, this new production "Revue Folies de Can-Can" was scheduled for production on February 23rd and contracts, apart from many other considerations, made it impossible for us to delay this production, so here it is, in for a run which, we are convinced, will at least equal its predecessor, but in our humble though carefully considered opinion, easily exceed it. Good and successful though our first show was, it has only needed a look at the rehearsals, the costumes and the scenery to realise that this new show must easily be more successful than the last. We thought we had done our best with the last show but somehow with the worries connected with the opening of the new theatre off our minds, we have been able to concentrate entirely on this new show to an extent I did not realise possible when we opened the new theatre last October. The larger stage and its mechanical contrivances had not been tried out then. Now, with the experimental stage past, I have been able to do all sorts of things I did not realise were possible when I was opening the last show with only an ink and paper knowledge of what the stage and its mechanics were going to be like. More than this, we have been able to secure costumes and effects for this show which easily outclass anything we have ever had before, elaborate as some of our shows have been.

We do not think you will be slow to realise that there is something about this production which, even with our good record, not merely goes one better but is a very good deal better than anything we have ever accomplished. Each time I devise and produce a new show I think to myself "Well, it's just impossible to do better than this." I have said this so often because it seems that when one has exhausted one's ideas in one production, new and better ones will be so hard to find, but somehow or other new ones have come along and we have always been able to achieve what I thought was impossible, that is a better production than the last on each occasion.

We feel sure you will be pleased to see Ronald Frankau with Renee Roberts and Monte Crick back again. They were associated with some of our most successful productions including the most successful we ever did in the old theatre. With them we have an entirely new cast with the exception of Bernard Clifton, one of the most attractive juvenile leads we have had, and we are very glad to have him with us again in a second show.

We are sure you will notice the youth and beauty the female side of our new company, which, after a census, we find has an average age of only 18. This must be a record for a West End show.

One thing more, and the most important of all. While we are naturally proud of our efforts and our successes, we are conscious, only too conscious in fact, that none of this would have been possible, but for the continued and regular support of so many people we are pleased to call friends as well as patrons. People who have been coming to see our shows off and on for the last 5 or 6 years.

The most amazing thing about the opening of the new theatre, even on the first night was the extraordinary homeliness about the place. With so many of the old staff and many musicians in the orchestra, and artistes on the stage there was really very little strange about our opening night. Apart from the glamour attached to any ordinary first night, the electrifying excitement which usually accompanies the opening of a new theatre was missing to a most peculiar extent. It seemed as if we were just carrying on exactly the same as before, but in different surroundings. You, our patrons cannot fail to notice this I feel sure. I only hope we can rely upon your continued support throughout what I hope will he a very long career for this lovely new theatre.

With my thanks for all you have helped me to do. Yours very truly ALFRED ESDAILE.

Above text from a Programme for 'Revue Folies de Can-Can' at the Prince of Wales Theatre in 1938 - Click to see the entire programme.

Above - The Side elevation of the 1937 rebuilt Prince Of Wales Theatre in 2002 - Photo M. L
The old Trocadero Restaurant is visible in the distance.

Above - The Side elevation of the 2004 refurbished Prince of Wales Theatre in May 2009 - Photo M. L

After the above mentioned review period ended at the Prince of Wales Charlie Chaplin's film 'The Great Dictator' was shown at the Theatre in December 1940. Non stop reviews then returned for a short while but only until George Black took over the reigns and presented 'Happidrome' at the Theatre, which would later be produced very successfully by the BBC at the New Cross Empire.

Left - The Prince of Wales Theatre during the run of 'Blue Magic' with Shirley Bassey and Tommy Cooper in 1958 - Courtesy Gerry Atkins.

Eventually the Prince of Wales passed into the hands of Moss Empires and a string of successful plays and musicals followed at the Theatre including 'No Orchids for Miss Blandish' in 1942, 'Strike a New Note' in 1943 with the comedy entertainer and impressionist Sid Field, who also appeared in 'Strike It Again' at the Theatre in 1944. Mae West appeared at the Theatre in 'Diamond Lil' in 1948, and Katherine Dunham appeared there in 1948.

Right - Detail from a 1948 Variety Programme advertising the forthcoming BBC 'Happidrome' Radio show to be performed at the New Cross Empire.

In 1949 Sid Field returned to great acclaim at the Prince of Wales Theatre playing the part of Elwood P. Dowd in 'Harvey' which would later be played by James Stewart in the film of the same name. The play ran for 610 performances but sadly this was to be Field's last part as he died from a heart attack at his home in Richmond during the run of the play at the age of only 45 on the 3rd of February 1950.

Shortly after this the Theatre became home to Reviews and Variety until the play 'The World of Susic Wong' opened in November of 1959 and ran for two years until August 1961.

In 1963 the Theatre was completely redecorated and two years later the Proscenium, stage, and Orchestra Pit were remodeled. A great many productions were subsequently staged at the Theatre, the most notable of which were 'Funny Girl,' starring Barbara Streisand in 1966, 'Sweet Charity' in 1967, 'Promises Promises' in 1969, which ran for two years, 'The Threepenny Opera' in 1972 with Vanessa Redgrave Diana Quick, and Barbara Windsor, 'The Plumber's Progress' in 1976 with Harry Secombe and Simon Callow, 'Underneath the Arches' in 1982, which became the longest run at the Theatre for 13 years and was about the famous comedy duo Flanagan and Allen, who had themselves appeared at the Theatre in 1945. And then came 'Aspects of Love' in 1989 which broke all previous records at the Theatre, running for 1,325 performances. Later successes were 'West Side Story', 'Fosse', 'The Witches of Eastwick', 'Rent', and 'The Full Monty.'

Above - The newly refurbished Prince of Wales Theatre in 2005 - Photo M.L.

In July of 2003 the Prince of Wales closed its doors for a while when it underwent major restoration by the Delfont Mackintosh Group who spent some £7.5 million refurbishing the Theatre and bringing it into the 21st Century with a much improved auditorium and far better front of house facilities.

The Theatre was reopened by Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, on the 10th of June 2004 who then attended a Gala performance of 'Mamma Mia!' in aid of the Prince's Trust. This phenomenally successful show had previously run at the Prince Edward Theatre for five years before transferring to the newly renovated Prince of Wales Theatre, and by the 1st of November 2008 had clocked up 4,000 performances.

Above - A sculpture which takes pride of place in the foyer of the Prince of Wales Theatre - Caption reads: 'To Commemorate the re-opening of the Prince of Wales Theatre. This sculpture was unveiled on the 10th June 2004 by his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales' - Photo M.L. July 2009

In 2009 the Grade II Listed Prince of Wales Theatre has a capacity of 1,133 and is owned and managed by Delfont Mackintosh Theatres Limited, you may like to visit their own Website here.

Index to other Theatres and Cinemas in London's Leicester Square