The Garrick Theatre is one of the most famous theatres in London, and a must-see for every theatre lover.
The Garrick Theatre is located on the corner of Drury Lane in Covent Garden. It was built in 1774 by Richard Brinsley Sheridan and Thomas Linley, who were both actors at the time. The theatre was named after the actor David Garrick, who is credited with saving it from demolition. It has been described as “the most perfect theatre ever built” by John Julius Norwich. The theatre has also been called “the jewel box of English theatres.”
The Garrick Theatre has been at the centre of many social and political changes over its 200-year history. Its first production, “Richard III”, was a revolutionary event that helped to kick-start English drama as we know it today.
The theatre’s most famous production was the Shakespearean play Hamlet, which premiered in 1847.
The Garrick Theatre was originally built as a music hall, but was soon converted into a theatre with an auditorium seating more than 1,000 people. The current building is one of the most beautiful buildings in London and has been designated as a Grade I listed building since 1951.
REVIEW|The Last 5 Years at Garrick Theatre, London
Famous Actors and Performers who have Performed on Stage at The Garrick Theatre
- Laurence Olivier
- John Gielgud
- Judi Dench
- Ian McKellen
- Ralph Richardson
- Vivien Leigh
- Dame Judi Dench
- Geoffrey Rush
- Sarah Bernhardt
- Charles Dickens
- Thomas Carlyle
- Joseph Addison
- Sarah Siddons
- David Garrick
- Charles Kemble
- Ellen Terry
- John Barrymore
The Top Best Shows at the Garrick Theatre in London
The theatre also hosts shows from around the world, such as Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and Les Miserables, which are only available at this venue.
The Garrick Theatre offers an extensive programme of events for children, including workshops on acting and singing with professional actors and actresses from the Garrick Theatre and professional dance groups including Nutcracker, Ballet West and the Royal Ballet.
The Garrick Theatre is also home to many school productions throughout the year. This places is one of the best to catch up on some classic and new plays while enjoying a night out.
Recent examples include:
- Frankenstein
- Thoroughly modern Millie
- The Wizard of Oz
- West Side Story
- The Phantom of The Opera
- Hamlet
- The Importance of Being Earnest
- Romeo and Juliet
The Garrick Theatre has been diversifying their audience by producing more work with diverse themes. The theatre has also been focusing on developing a pipeline of new talent to ensure that they are able to produce work that reflects the diversity of London and its people.
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