London's Drury Lane Theatre burns to the ground, leaving owner Richard Brinsley Sheridan destitute.

The Enduring Legacy of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

Steeped in centuries of history, the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, affectionately known as Drury Lane, stands as a venerable monument in London's West End. This Grade I listed building, situated in the heart of Covent Garden, gazes out onto Catherine Street (once known as Bridges or Brydges Street) while its rear embraces the historic thoroughfare of Drury Lane itself. What makes this particular structure so significant is its lineage; it is the most recent iteration in a continuous line of four theatres built on the very same plot of land, with the earliest establishment dating back to a remarkable 1663. This enduring presence proudly crowns it as the oldest theatre site in London still actively in use today, a testament to its unwavering theatrical spirit.

For its first two centuries, Drury Lane held an almost undisputed claim as London's premier theatrical venue, a status confidently asserted by author Peter Thomson. Throughout much of this period, it operated as one of a select handful of "patent theatres," institutions granted exclusive monopoly rights to produce "legitimate" drama in the capital. This designation specifically referred to spoken plays, distinguishing them from other popular forms of entertainment like opera, dance, musical performances, or concerts, thereby solidifying its central role in the development of English drama.

A Stage Through the Ages: From Restoration to Grand Musicals

The genesis of this illustrious theatrical site began in the early 1660s, a period brimming with artistic resurgence following the English Restoration, which saw the reopening of theatres across the land. It was at the behest of Thomas Killigrew that the first theatre took shape, initially known as the "Theatre Royal in Bridges Street." Under the stewardship of its proprietors, the stage became a platform for the era's most celebrated performers, including the enchanting Nell Gwyn and the esteemed Charles Hart, who graced its boards regularly, captivating audiences with their talent.

Tragedy struck in 1672 when a fire consumed the original structure. Undeterred, Killigrew promptly embarked on building a grander theatre on the identical plot, which reopened in 1674, now proudly bearing the name "Theatre Royal in Drury Lane." This magnificent second edifice enjoyed a substantial lifespan of nearly 120 years, during which it flourished under the influential leaderships of theatrical titans like Colley Cibber, the revered David Garrick, and the brilliant Richard Brinsley Sheridan. It was under Sheridan's astute management that the legendary Joseph Grimaldi served as the theatre's beloved resident Clown, whose innovative pantomime performances left an indelible mark on British entertainment.

However, the march of progress, and the desire for even larger and more modern spaces, saw the 1674 theatre demolished in 1791, again under Sheridan's management. A grander replacement opened in 1794, but its tenure was tragically cut short, surviving only 15 years before succumbing to a devastating fire in 1809. The resilience of Drury Lane, however, proved indomitable. The building that proudly stands today, a familiar landmark to countless theatre-goers, first opened its doors in 1812. Over two centuries, it has continued its tradition of hosting remarkable talent, including the powerful actor Edmund Kean, the celebrated comedian Dan Leno, and the multi-talented musical composer and performer Ivor Novello.

In the post-Second World War era, the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, transformed its focus, becoming primarily renowned for hosting long and successful runs of major musicals. Its stage has been home to iconic productions such as Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, 42nd Street, and the theatre's longest-running show to date, the epic Miss Saigon. Today, this historic institution is under the distinguished ownership of the world-renowned composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. From January 2019, the venue underwent extensive renovations, a comprehensive project that also navigated closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In July 2021, after over two years of meticulous work, the theatre joyfully reopened, welcoming audiences back to its opulent interior. Disney's spectacular production of Frozen made its much-anticipated West End debut at Drury Lane on August 27th, with general performances commencing from September 8th, 2021, ushering in a new chapter of theatrical magic.

Richard Brinsley Sheridan: Playwright, Politician, and Drury Lane Impresario

Among the many luminaries linked to Drury Lane, Richard Brinsley Butler Sheridan stands out as a pivotal figure, a true polymath of the Georgian era. Born on October 30, 1751, and passing on July 7, 1816, Sheridan was an Irish satirist, a shrewd politician, an acclaimed playwright, and a poet. Crucially, he was also a long-term owner and manager of London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, overseeing its fortunes during significant periods of its history, including the demolition and rebuilding of one of its iterations.

Sheridan's literary legacy is cemented by his brilliant comedies of manners, which continue to be performed and celebrated worldwide. He is most famously known for his masterful plays such as The Rivals, The School for Scandal (a sharp and witty critique of society), The Duenna, and A Trip to Scarborough. Beyond the stage, Sheridan was also a prominent political figure, serving as a Whig Member of Parliament for an impressive 32 years in the British House of Commons, representing constituencies including Stafford (1780-1806), Westminster (1806-1807), and Ilchester (1807-1812). His impactful life concluded with his burial in the revered Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey, a fitting tribute to a man whose words and vision shaped both theatre and politics.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

What is the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane?
The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, often called Drury Lane, is a historic West End theatre and Grade I listed building located in Covent Garden, London, renowned for its long history and impressive musicals.
How old is the Drury Lane theatre site?
The site has continuously housed theatres since 1663, making it the oldest theatre site in London still in use today.
Who were some famous figures associated with its early history?
Key figures include Thomas Killigrew (who built the first two theatres), notable actors like Nell Gwyn and Charles Hart, and later, managers such as Colley Cibber, David Garrick, and Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Joseph Grimaldi, the famous clown, was also a resident performer.
What kind of performances does Drury Lane host today?
Since the Second World War, Drury Lane has primarily hosted long runs of major musicals, including iconic shows like Miss Saigon and, more recently, Disney's Frozen.
Who currently owns the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane?
The theatre is currently owned by the acclaimed musical composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber.
When did the current theatre building open?
The building that stands today, the fourth on the site, originally opened its doors to the public in 1812.