PIN Aldwych Theatre

Georgian Splendour Meets French Baroque

The Aldwych was built in 1905 as a twin to the Strand (now Novello) Theatre in symmetrical relationship at either end of Marshall Mackenzies’s slightly later Waldorf Hotel, all forming part of the Aldwych/Kingsway improvement. With the exception of Bush House, this theatre was the only part to measure up to the monumental conception of the great curved highway. The Aldwych is a fine stone-faced classical building in its own right. Like the Strand Theatre, it is a corner building, in three major bays, each of four storeys plus a sheer attic over the main entablature. It is said that it was built for actor-manager-dramatist Seymour Hicks in association with the famous American impresario Charles Frohman.

The interior decoration is a mixture of Georgian and French Baroque. A dual staircase ascends past three huge mirrors and meets in the handsome plush Circle Bar under chandeliers from where one can look down into the vestibule from a circular ramp.

History:

Designed by W.G.R Sprague, the Aldwych Theatre opened in 1905 at the same time as its twin, the Novello nee Strand Theatre. They were built with identical facades, same seating capacity of over 1000 and opened within 7 months of each other.

Used as a Club for Australian servicemen during the Great War, the Aldwych Theatre became the home of English farce and one of the most popular places of entertainment in London until 1933.

There followed a lean period, despite the introduction of the Privilege ticket, equivalent to our half price ticket today - two seats for the price of one. This was only in 1942, that anti-Nazi play Watch On The Rhine brought audiences back to the Aldwych Theatre!

In 1960, the Aldwych Theatre was refurbished and repainted following the acquisition by the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre Company. Artistic Director, Peter Hall, took the curtain down and the forestage was brought forward to the line of the stage boxes. Renamed the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1961, their tenancy lasted until 1982 setting new standards for Shakespeare productions and other classical modern plays, building up a brilliant ensemble company of actors in the hands of inspired directors.

TripTide Thoughts

We were able to book “on the day” from a very helpful booking office where we got good easy access seats. Once in the theatre the staff were obliging and helpful. The theatre is slick, clean and very comfortable. This was wonderfully complemented by all staff encountered they were courteous, helpful and really added to our experience The show, set and cast were all magnificent and for a great night at the theatre – you need look no further.

How to get there

The nearest rail station to the Aldwych Theatre is Charing Cross. From Charing Cross Rail Station, cross the road at the traffic lights and turn right along The Strand. Once you reach the Aldwych junction, the theatre is the second left hand turning on the corner between Drury Lane and Aldwych.

By Tube: the nearest stations are Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines) and Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines)

From Covent Garden - Head out the station and east up Long Acre. Turn right down Drury Lane and then right again onto Aldwych when you reach the end of the road. The Aldwych theatre will be on your right.

From Holborn – Simply turn right out of Holborn station and walk down Kingsway towards Aldwych and the Strand. The theatre is a right hand turning as the road meets Aldwych.

By Bus: Use RV1, 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 59, 68, 98, 171, 172, 176, 243, 341.

Owner

Lucy TripTide

Lucy is a TripTide stalwart and has been with the company since inception. She is a font of knowledge of all things in our metropolis but she has a special penchant for London's historical past. She says:"London is a multi-layered confection of hi...