Aldwych Theatre [London]
Aldwych Theatre
Theatre building in London, United Kingdom
theater in City of Westminster, Verenigd Koninkrijk
Built 1905 by W. G. R. Sprague for Seymour Hicks and Charles Frohmann, as one of a pair of a similar, though not identical theatres to each side of the not yet built Waldorf Hotel (the other being the Waldorf Theatre, 1909 renamed Strand Theatre, now the Novello Theatre). Opened Dec 1905 with Seymour Hicks's musical comedy Bluebell in Fairyland. From 1925-1933 used for performances of Ben Traver's farces, also known as The Aldwych Farces. From the mid-1930s until ca. 1960 owned by the Abrahams family. Used for drama performances with world famous actors (e. g. Vivian Leigh in Tennesee Williams's A Streetcar Named Desire). 1960 interior alterations. From 15 Dec 1960 to 1981, home to the Royal Shakespeare companies. Also home of Peter Daubeny's World Theatre Season. 1963 interior redecoration and alterations. 1971 seating alterations. Restored after the Royal Shakespeare Company moved to the newly-built Barbican centre in 1981. Currently operated by Michael Codron Plays Ltd. Used for drama performances that often involve with world famous actors, and for musical performances. Originally 1092 seats, today 1176 seats.