Nestled in the heart of London’s West End, the Adelphi Theatre stands as a testament to the enduring allure of live performance. This iconic theatre, situated on the Strand in the City of Westminster, boasts a rich history spanning over two centuries. The current Adelphi building is the fourth to grace the site, each iteration reflecting the evolving tastes and trends of its time.
The Adelphi’s story begins in 1806, when merchant John Scott and his daughter Jane, a gifted playwright and performer, founded the theatre as the Sans Pareil. This name, which translates to “Without Compare,” reflects the ambitious nature of the project. The theatre quickly gained popularity, securing a license for musical entertainment, pantomime, and burletta in 1809. Jane Scott, a true pioneer in the world of theatre, wrote over 50 plays, showcasing her versatility across various genres, from melodramas and pantomimes to farces and historical dramas.
In 1819, the theatre adopted its current name, “Adelphi,” inspired by the striking Adelphi Buildings located across the street. This period marked a significant shift in the theatre’s programming, transitioning from a focus on lighthearted entertainment to a more dramatic and evocative style. It became known as a hotbed of melodramatic productions, fondly dubbed “Adelphi Screamers.”
A Dickens of a Theatre
The Adelphi quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and engaging productions. The theatre’s stage became a platform for bringing the captivating tales of Charles Dickens to life. In 1834, the theatre hosted the first-ever adaptation of a Dickens story, John Baldwin Buckstone’s comedic burletta, “The Christening,” inspired by “The Bloomsbury Christening.” This marked the beginning of a fruitful relationship between the Adelphi and the renowned author.
The theatre’s artistic directors embraced Dickens’s works with fervor, adapting his early novels and short stories into captivating stage productions. William Leman Rede’s adaptation of “The Pickwick Papers” into the three-act burletta “The Peregrinations of Pickwick” debuted in 1837, captivating audiences with its humorous portrayal of the iconic characters.
The Adelphi continued to showcase Dickens’s stories, including Frederick Henry Yates’s production of “Nicholas Nickleby,” which premiered in 1838, and Edward Stirling’s two-act burletta, “The Old Curiosity Shop,” in 1840. Notably, the Adelphi Theatre even makes a cameo appearance in Dickens’s “The Pickwick Papers,” a testament to its enduring popularity and cultural influence.
A New Stage, A New Era
By the mid-19th century, the Adelphi Theatre was flourishing. The original building, described as a “hasty conversion from a tavern hall,” was deemed insufficient. A new, grander theatre was built, opening its doors in 1858. This new Adelphi could accommodate a significantly larger audience, boasting a seating capacity of 1,500, with standing room for an additional 500 spectators. Its interior was adorned with glittering gaslight chandeliers, creating a dazzling spectacle.
The new theatre continued to showcase a wide range of performances, from the comedic genius of John Lawrence Toole to French operettas, including “La belle Hélène.” In 1867, the Adelphi made history by hosting the first public performance of Arthur Sullivan’s debut opera, “Cox and Box,” solidifying its position as a leading venue for English comic opera.
Triumph and Tragedy
The late 19th century saw the Adelphi Theatre face both triumphs and tragedies. In 1879 and 1887, the theatre underwent significant renovations and expansions. The Gatti brothers, theatre entrepreneurs, acquired neighboring properties, including the Hampshire Hog and the Nell Gwynne Tavern, to create a larger and more opulent theatre. A new facade was constructed, a portion of which can still be seen today above the Crystal Rooms.
Tragedy struck in 1897 when William Terriss, a renowned actor who regularly graced the Adelphi stage, was fatally stabbed outside the theatre’s royal entrance. This tragic event left a lasting mark on the theatre’s history, and some believe that Terriss’s ghost still haunts the Adelphi’s corridors.
Despite this heartbreaking event, the Adelphi continued to thrive under the stewardship of Terriss’s daughter, Ellaline Terriss, and her husband, Seymour Hicks. The Adelphi Theatre remained a prominent fixture on the London theatre scene, attracting a diverse audience and showcasing a wide array of productions.
A Century of Musical Masterpieces
The dawn of the 20th century brought a new era of musical theatre to the Adelphi. The theatre became synonymous with the genre, hosting a succession of hit musical comedies that captivated audiences. The most notable productions include “The Earl and the Girl” (1904), “The Dairymaids” (1907), “The Quaker Girl” (1910), “The Boy” (1917), “Clowns in Clover” (1927), and “Mr. Cinders” (1929).
The Adelphi’s commitment to musical theatre continued with the opening of the present building in 1930. Designed in the Art Deco style, the “Royal Adelphi Theatre,” as it was initially called, hosted a string of theatrical successes. Noël Coward’s “Words and Music” premiered at the theatre in 1932, followed by the operetta “Balalaika” in 1936.
Enduring Legacy
The Adelphi Theatre has witnessed countless changes over the centuries, but its commitment to showcasing the very best of theatre has never wavered. The theatre has hosted a diverse array of productions, from dramatic melodramas to light-hearted comedies, captivating audiences with its innovative productions and talented performers.
The Adelphi Theatre’s legacy is not just in its history, but in its ongoing ability to bring the magic of theatre to life. The theatre remains a vibrant hub for the performing arts, attracting both seasoned theatregoers and new audiences. The Adelphi’s commitment to producing exceptional theatre ensures that its story will continue to unfold for many years to come.
