If you want to experience unforgettable emotions and, at the same time, enjoy a cultural programme, you should definitely visit the Dominion Theatre in London. Tourists who are willing to learn about the city from a creative point of view will absolutely love this place. In addition, the Dominion Theatre became the favourite one for many theatre connoisseurs not only from London but also from other countries of the world. Learn more at london-trend.
HISTORY THAT CONCEALS MANY INTERESTING FACTS
The theatre construction began in the London Borough of Camden in 1928. Previously, there was a Horse Shoe Brewery and a cinema on Tottenham Court Road. This location is also famous for another reason. In 1814, a local brewery cistern burst and flooded the streets of the city. Moreover, it caused a domino effect and resulted in damage to other beer containers. That year, 1.5 million litres of beer were spilled on the streets of London. You may ask what is the point? The point is that the event, which became known as the London Beer Flood, affected the name of the theatre that was later built on the site of the demolished brewery. The first production, the Broadway musical Follow Through, took place there in 1929.
The construction budget of the theatre was £460,000. The building impressed with its beauty at first glance. Renaissance architecture was designed to reflect the inner world of the theatre. The facade, framed by large pilasters, fully embodied the idea of the architects. The main feature was an arched window crowned with a sculpture of two gryphons. At the beginning of its existence, the Dominion Theatre could accommodate 2835 spectators, but later, its seating capacity was reduced due to some reconstructions.
THE THEATRE FROM ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE
Few people know that the Dominion Theatre served as a cinema for a long time. According to the original design, it was supposed to be a musical comedy theatre, but after a short period of time, the building became a place for movie demonstrations. Therefore, the building was slightly remodelled in the early 1930s. The first film, which was shown in the cinema in 1930 was The Phantom of the Opera. The event attracted a huge audience. However, an even bigger sensation was Charlie Chaplin’s legendary work of art, City Lights. It was shown there in 1932.
Unfortunately, there are negative moments in the history of any cultural institution. The Dominion Theatre had to overcome some difficulties too. Despite its wild popularity and cultural flourishing, the cinema was closed in 1940. Such a fate awaited most institutions due to the massive shelling of London during the Second World War. The theatre building was destroyed as well. Nevertheless, the Dominion Theatre was reopened in January 1941.
REPERTOIRE UPDATE
A large-scale repertoire update began in 1956 when the institution became a venue for theatrical performances once again. Then people could enjoy The Judy Garland Show production, although the Dominion Theatre continued to function as a cinema for some time. In the 1970s, the theatre housed various concerts. In the early 1990s, the institution offered a number of different musicals. Grease, Swan Lake, Notre Dame de Paris and Beauty and the Beast were the most successful among them.
THE DOMINION THEATRE TODAY
Nowadays, the theatre is quite famous not only in London but also all over the world. It has a seating capacity of 2182. The musical premieres often take place at the Dominion. Throughout its existence, the Dominion Theatre underwent minor renovations. In addition, it is constantly being improved and modernised, which gives an opportunity to demonstrate great art pieces through the prism of modernity.
