The Alhambra Theatre, London
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The Alhambra Theatre, London
Promotional postcard showing the Alhambra Theatre, London. Built as Panoptican of Science and Art, which opened on 18th March 1854. Designed in a Moorish style by architects Finden & Lewis as an exhibition hall, it had a capacity for 5, 000. In 1869, major alterations were carried out adding a stage so it could be used as a music hall, known as the Royal Alhambra Palace. The capacity was given as 3, 500, including standing space. The building was destroyed by a fire on 7th December 1882. Retaining the original facade, a new building was erected to the plans of architects John Perry and Frederick Reed, which opened on 3rd December 1883 as the Alhambra Theatre Royal. Again built and decorated in a Moorish style, it became a popular music hall from 18th October 1884. Redecorated to the plans of architect E. Clark in April 1888, it was renamed Alhambra Theatre in 1890. In September 1892 E. Clark & Pollard were employed to extend the circle by the removal of some side boxes, giving a total seating of 1, 438. There were 588 seats in the orchestra stalls, 166 in the grand circle, 226 in the balcony, 160 in the amphitheatre and 298 in the gallery. There was standing room for 838. In 1897, a new extension and Grand Entrance at the rear of the theatre backing onto Charing Cross Road was added, to the plans of architect W.M. Brutton. Date: circa 1902
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Media ID 14261072
© The Michael Diamond Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Alhambra Build Entertain Entertaining Entertainments Facade Facades Panto Pantomime Promotional
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Alhambra Theatre, London: A Grand History of Architectural Transformation This enchanting postcard image showcases the magnificent Alhambra Theatre in London, a historic landmark that has undergone numerous transformations since its inception in 1854. Originally designed by architects Finden & Lewis as the Panoptican of Science and Art, the theatre boasted a capacity of 5,000 and was renowned for its Moorish style architecture. In 1869, major alterations were carried out, adding a stage and converting it into the Royal Alhambra Palace, with a capacity of 3,500. However, tragedy struck in 1882 when a devastating fire destroyed the building, leaving only the original facade intact. A new theatre was erected in 1883, designed by architects John Perry and Frederick Reed, and opened as the Alhambra Theatre Royal. The theatre continued to be a popular music hall from 1884, with seating for 1,438 and standing room for 838. In 1892, architects E. Clark and Pollard were employed to extend the circle, increasing the seating capacity. The theatre was then renamed Alhambra Theatre in 1890. A new extension and Grand Entrance were added at the rear of the theatre in 1897, designed by architect W.M. Brutton. This postcard, dated circa 1902, captures the theatre's breathtaking Moorish architecture and the magic that has drawn audiences to this iconic London venue for over a century.
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