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London's Palladium Theatre is home
to the long-running production of
The King And I
|
In 1807, London was home to just ten theatres. Sixty years later, that number had tripled. As gas replaced candles and oil lamps, lighting improved dramatically; in the 1820s, so did comfort, with the installation of cushioned seats; and then came the introduction of closed boxes, the perfect setting for private rendezvous.
'Penny theatres' emerged to counteract rising ticket prices, and modest independent productions in taverns and ale houses were also popular, but the West End prevailed as the centre for top-notch theatre.
West End shows used to open at any time after 6.30 pm, with the plusher theatres raising their curtains later. It was customary to entertain audiences until past midnight, and while discount ticketing was as prevalent then as it is now, a 'half price' ticket granted admission after 9 pm, regardless of what point the play was at. Now, it's simply a welcome bargain for those unwilling to pay ticket prices that can reach nearly £40… before booking fees.
Today, the West End boasts 12 million attendances a year and retains an aura unmatched in the world. |
