The Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal in Drury Lane stands in Covent Garden, London, on a site used for theatre since 1663. The present building, opened in 1812, faces Catherine Street and backs onto Drury Lane. It is the fourth theatre on the same plot and the oldest theatre site in London still in use. The building is a Grade I listed structure and one of the West End’s most prominent theatres. It has survived fires, rebuilds and renovations over more than three centuries. The theatre has been home to legendary performers and landmark productions throughout its history. Drury Lane has long been recognised as London’s leading theatre. In its first two centuries it held a monopoly on spoken drama in the capital. The first theatre was built by Thomas Killigrew after the Restoration, and early stars included Nell Gwyn and Charles Hart. Later leaders such as Colley Cibber, David Garrick and Richard Brinsley Sheridan shaped its reputation. The theatre also pioneered moveable scenery and the picture-frame stage, innovations that changed English theatre design. Its stage has hosted everything from Restoration comedies to modern musicals like Miss Saigon and Frozen. Inside, the theatre retains its grand 19th-century auditorium with tiers of boxes and a deep stage. The auditorium is decorated in rich reds and golds, with ornate plasterwork and chandeliers. The stage still uses the original proscenium arch, framed by moveable shutters. Beyond the auditorium, foyers display portraits of past performers and show programmes from famous runs. The theatre’s backstage areas include dressing rooms used by generations of actors. From the boxes, visitors look down on the same stage where Garrick and Kean once performed.