Gielgud Theatre

Review for Yes Prime Minister

The theatre was originally known as the Hicks Theatre. It opened under this name in 1906, as it was built in honour of actor, manager and playwright Seymour Hicks. Hicks produced the theatres first musical, named The Beauty of Bath along with Cosmo Hamilton, and went on to produce another successful play and even perform a title role, where he took over his wife’s role as she fell ill.

Throughout most of the 20th century It was known as the Globe Theatre (another globe theatre was demolished, making an available space for another), where notable productions took place. In 1994, the theatre was one again re-named, this time in honour of a great British Actor Sir John Gielgud.

Since the opening of the theatre there have naturally been changes and refurbishments, including seating layout where seats and boxes have been removed. When you come across the theatre building, you will see how magnificent it is, both inside and out.

The building is very tall and impressive, with 4 stories and is emphasised with a striking turret on top. It is a magnificent building, and looks stunning by night when lit up.Inside there is a beautiful circular regency staircase, oval gallery and tower. In 1987 an extensive renovation took place, which included significant work on the gold leaf, found in the auditorium, and has been cared for ever since.The boxes in the auditorium are supported by pillars, which have been lavishly decorated, and the baroque ornamentation can only be described as opulent.

A few of the notable productions that have taken place at the theatre have included The Importance of Being Earnest, , The Lady’s Not For Burning, and One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. One of the record performances was There’s a Girl In My Soup in 1966, and ran for 1,064 performances, but was soon to be beaten by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production Daisy Pulls It Off in 1983 and ran with 1180 performances, which made it the longest running at the theatre.

Recent shows at the Gielgud theatre this year, were The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, and Lend me a Tenor.
On 20th September, the Gielgud theatre will be home to the popular stage production of Yes Prime Minister, where it is transferring from The Apollo Theatre.