Theatreland
Timeline
1576
London’s first playhouse The Theatre
was built. Prior to this, plays had
been performed in ad hoc venues
such as courtyards, inn-yards or
spacious private homes.
1599
The first Globe Theatre opened
on the South Bank. It was led by
Richard Burbage who established
himself as the first of London’s
great actor/impresarios.
1640s & 50s
During the English Civil War
theatres were closed. This was
partly because of Puritan objections
but mainly because they were
places of political unrest.
1660s
After the English Civil War King Charles II
wanted to bring back theatre. He created
a new job ‘Master of the Revels’ responsible
for the licensing of all forms of public
entertainment and able to grant Royal Patents
to perform theatre legitimately. The first
of these were given to Thomas Killigrew
and Sir William Davenant.
1663
The first West End venue opened
on Drury Lane, built by Thomas
Killigrew under Royal Patent.
It was the first of four theatres
on the same site – this is now
the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
1674
Sir Thomas Davenant opened a
private theatre in Rutland House in the
City of London with his Royal Patent.
His theatre exploits eventually led
to the establishment of the Theatre
Royal Covent Garden in 1674 –
this is now the Royal Opera House.
1720
The Little Theatre on the Hay
was built – the precursor to the
Theatre Royal Haymarket.
1737
The Theatrical Licensing Act 1737 was
passed. This meant that the Lord Chamberlain
held exclusive powers to license theatres
and all new plays. It also limited spoken
drama in theatres. Some companies found
ingenious ways of getting around the Act
by presenting what is now called variety
or musical theatre.
1788
The Theatrical Representations Act
1788 was passed. Local magistrates
were allowed to license occasional
performances for periods of up to
60 days.
1843
The Theatre Regulation Act 1843 came into
force. This restricted the powers of the Lord
Chamberlain, so that he could only ban plays
where “it is fitting for the preservation of good
manners, decorum or of the public peace so
to do”. It also gave additional powers to local
authorities to license theatres. This saw the
rise of pub theatres and music halls.
1874
The Criterion Theatre was built
by Thomas Verity a Victorian
entrepreneur.
1891
The Royal English Opera House
opened at Cambridge Circus
London – this is now known
as the Palace Theatre.
1910
The London Palladium opened
on Boxing Day 1910 with the
first ‘grand variety bill’.
1968
The Theatres Act 1968 abolished
censorship of the stage in the
United Kingdom.
1976
The Theatres Trust Act 1976 created
The Theatres Trust to ‘promote the better
protection of theatres’, as many valuable
theatres have been lost through demolition.
As a statutory consultee in the planning
system local authorities must seek the
advice of the Trust on all theatre-related
planning applications.
1978
The Theatres Trust (Scotland)
Act 1978 came into force, extending
the remit of The Theatres Trust to
Scotland.
Today
The Theatres Trust works to ensure that
current and future generations have access
to good quality theatre buildings that reflect
our cultural life and offer inspiring places to
enjoy theatre. Our work includes helping to
save theatre buildings at risk. The public can
support our work by becoming Friends of
The Theatres Trust.