Dominion Theatre

The Dominion Theatre stands on Tottenham Court Road in the London Borough of Camden. It opened in 1929 as a musical theatre and cinema, designed by W and TR Milburn. The building replaced the 1911 Court Cinema and the 1746 Horse Shoe Brewery, site of the 1814 London Beer Flood. Its Renaissance revival façade features Portland stone and a sculpture of two gryphons above a bow window. The theatre once seated 2,835 but now holds 2,069 after renovations. Original 1920s light fittings and art deco plasterwork remain intact. The Dominion has hosted major events and performers over the decades. Charlie Chaplin attended the London premiere of City Lights here in 1931. John Logie Baird demonstrated live television transmissions in 1937. Films like South Pacific and Cleopatra drew large crowds in the 1950s and 1960s. The Sound of Music played for nearly three years, the longest run of any film at this venue. George Lucas chose the Dominion for the UK premiere of Star Wars in 1977. Inside, visitors find a restored 1920s interior with modern additions. The Studio, created in 2008, serves as a rehearsal space above the main foyer. The Freddie Mercury Suite displays memorabilia from Queen’s singer. The theatre also hosts Sunday services for Hillsong Church London. Its galleries and foyers reflect the grandeur of its original design.