The Apollo Victoria Theatre was constructed as a ’super-cinema’ and in the beginning was called the New Victoria Cine-Variety Theatre when it opened on 15th October, 1930 showing the film “Old English” and a stage show called “Hoop-La”. This strikingly art deco cinema was designed, as were all super-cinemas of the period, with readinesses for stage shows that would precede the cinema films. Provincial Cinematograph (PCT) invited Ernest Walmsley Lewis to submit plans to build the cinema close at hand to Victorial Station. The theatre is now a Grade 2 Listed building with a seating area capacity of 2348.
With two frontages along busy roads, it is alleged that taxi drivers called the theatre “Sing-Sing”. Since its opening the theatre has experienced many highs and lows. The theatre is now one of the preeminent West End theatres and has hosted such musicals as The Sound of Music with Petula Clark, Camelot with Richard Harris, and Fiddler on The Roof with Topol.
In 1984 the theatre hosted Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express, a show which called for a good deal of building work to be done to the auditorium due to the show’s special effects. After eighteen flourishing years the show ended on 12th January, 2002.
Since this time the Apollo Victoria has undergone much refurbishment work, returning the theatre to its former glory. Bombay Dreams previewed from 31st May 2002 with its opening night on June 19th, 2002. The show ran until June 2004, when it moved to America. Three weeks later Saturday Night Fever moved in stimulating the West End with its 70’s style music until 18th February, 2006.
On March 28th, 2006 Billy Joel’s smash hit Broadway show Movin’ Out opened for an eight week run.
Since that time, further renovation work has continued until Wicked, The Untold Story of The Witches of Oz opened in September 2006 and is still performing to packed houses today.
Now seen in the theatre, are the emerald green iron railings. The black and silver-channelled foyer walls have been restored and the ceiling is back with its prismatic dazzling silver ornaments. Further work will be carried out on this glorious theatre, but it is already a national treasure.
Apollo Victoria Theatre London Tickets