London Theatres

"One of the most fashionable places of amusement in the metropolis, having been established to gratify the increasing taste of the public for exquisite music and elegant dancing. The present edifice was erected chiefly by M. Novosielski, on the site of the former theatre built by Sir John Vanbrugh, and destroyed by fire in 1790. The interior has not undergone any material alteration since its completion; but the exterior was not finished until 1820, when it assumed its present appearance under the direction of Mr. Nash and Mr. G. Repton. Three sides of the building are encompassed by a colonnade, supported by cast-iron pillars of the Roman Doric order; and on the west side is a covered arcade. The fron towards the Haymarket is decorated with a group of emblematic figures in basso-relievo, illustrative of the origin and progress of music and dancing, executed in artificial stone, by Mr. J. G. Bubb. The dimensions of the interior are nearly those of La Scala, at Milan. The width of the stage is nearly eighty feet; its depth sixty-two feet; and from the centre boxes in the grand tier to the orchestra the depth is about the same. The five tiers, containing two hundred and ten boxes, have a light and elegant appearnce, and will hold one thousand persons; the pit nearly eight hundred, and the gallery the same. The first three tiers of private boxes are the property of the nobility, or of wealthy commoners, and are let at from one hundred and fifty to four hundred guineas, according to the situation and size. Lessee, Mr. Lumley. Open from February to August. Doors open at half-past seven; performance commence at eight o'clock. Admission: Stalls, £1 1s. Pit, 8s; Gallery 5s."

"Erected on the site of the little theatre in the Haymarket, from the designs of John Nash, Esq., and opened for dramatic performances July 4th, 1821. The front presents an elevated portico supported by six columns of the Corinthian order, and above the pediment are nine circular windows, tastefully connected by sculptured ornaments. The interior is tastefully decorated and is remarkable for having the sides rectangular, and the centre very slightly curved, thus differing from any of the other theatres. The present lessee is Mr. B. Webster, under whose admirable management is has for several years been one of the most attractive theatres in the metropolis. Doors open at half-past six; performance commence at seven o'clock. Admission: Boxes, 5s.; Pit, 3s.; Gallery, 2s."

"This theatre having been destroyed by fire in September, 1808, was rebuilt from the designs of Robert Smirke, Esq., R.A., and opened in the September of the following year, it having been completed in little more than ten months. It is of the Grecian Doric order, having a portico of four columns, supporting a pediment; the columns are large, fluted, without bases, and elevated upon a flight of steps. In niches near the lateral extremities of the front are statues of Tragedy and Comedy, by Flaxman; and over the windows are compartments containing emblematic representations of the ancient and modern drama in basso-relievo. The interior was entirely rebuilt from the designs and under the superintendence of Mr. Albano in 1874, since which period it has been devoted to the production of the Italian lyric drama. Lessee, Mr. Delafield. Open from February to August. Doors open at half-past seven; performance commence at eight o'clock. Admission the same as at Her Majesty's Theatre."