The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane is a famous and historic theatre located in Covent Garden, London. Established in the 17th century, it is the oldest theatre in London still in use today. The original theatre was built in 1663 and opened on this day 7th May. It was named the Theatre Royal, Bridges Street. It was rebuilt twice due to fires, with the most recent structure built in 1794, which is still standing today.
Drury Lane, c. 1808
Throughout its history, the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane has hosted some of the most famous actors and productions in the world, including David Garrick, Edmund Kean, and Laurence Olivier. It has been the site of many important events, such as the first performance of Handel's Messiah in 1747 and the first public performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in 1809.
In addition to its rich history, the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane is also known for its "haunted" reputation. It is said that the ghost of Charles Macklin, a famous actor who killed a fellow actor in a dispute over a wig in 1735, haunts the theatre to this day.
Despite its age, the theatre has undergone many renovations to ensure it remains a comfortable and modern venue for audiences. Today, it has a seating capacity of 2,196, making it one of the largest theatres in London. The theatre continues to be an important and beloved venue for theatre-goers, hosting popular productions such as My Fair Lady, Miss Saigon and Oliver!
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