23 June: On this day in 1960… The Peacock Theatre opened in London

On this day in… 1960

The Peacock Theatre opened in London

QUICK FACTS

    • Theatre opened: 23 June 1960
    • Designed by: Lewis Solomon Kaye and Partners
    • First production: Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne starring in The Visit
    • Number of seats: 997
    • Other info: Built on the site of the London Opera House, which had opened on 13 November 1911; was converted into a cinema and re-opened as the Stoll Picture Theatre on 31 April 1917; closed in September 1940 and reopened on 1 September 1941 as a live theatre again; renamed the Stoll Theatre in 1942; closed on 4 August 1957 with  Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh in Titus and Andronicus; demolished in 1958. The Peacock Theatre originally opened as the Royalty Theatre; taken over by Sadlers Wells Theatre in 1999 and renamed the Peacock Theatre
Façade of the impressive London Opera House, circa 1917, on the site of the current Peacock Theatre. Photo: Theatres Trust (http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/)
Façade of the impressive London Opera House, circa 1917, on the site of the current Peacock Theatre. Photo: Theatres Trust (http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/)

     

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