The Adelphi Theatre has a rich and varied history that boasts of several gems and emeralds of the world of Theatre. Started in the early 18th Century by the merchant John Scott and his daughter Jane, the Theatre has been home to several melodramas, comic operettas, and historical dramas covering wide range of genres. The Theatre served as home to Jane, who was a distinguished playwright, performer and Theatre manager in her time. Since it’s inception, the Theatre has specialized in musicals and comedies.
The Theatre was demolished in 1858, after being home to such shows as Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, Past, Present and Future, and many more to make way for a newer, better Theatre, aptly titled The New Adelphi. The new Theatre had a seating capacity of 1500 people, with a standing capacity of 500 more.
Adelphi saw a second renovation in 1901, and this time it was named ‘Century Theatre’. However, the name was taken back in 1904 and the Theatre was named as the Adelphi Theatre. The Theatre last reopened on 3 December 1930 and was redesigned as a tribute to the Art Deco style. It was designed by Ernest Schaufelberg and was renamed as the Royal Adelphi Theatre. In 1940, the name reverted to ‘The Adelphi’.
Adelphi has had a pretty good run since its inception, and in 2010, it will premiere Andre Lloyd Webber’s new musical ‘Love Never Dies’.
The building of the Adelphi Theatre is a Grade II listed building for historical preservation. It is sometimes considered as a palace Theatre.
