Alhambra Music Hall
In the last decade, Music Halls have further improved in tone, and it is now perfectly agreeable for ladies to enjoy the entertainment offered in one of the better-class West End establishments, although it is advised to choose the somewhat dearer seats. The Alhambra on Leicester Square, for example, is one of these superior music halls, offering variety entertainment of high standard of taste.
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The Alhambra is located on the east side of Leicester Square, where the main entrance is situated. Another entrance has been added recently at Charing Cross. The Moorish splendour of the theatre’s interior is truly breath-taking and, one feels, one is at once transported to the real Alhambra palace in Spain.
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The site has a long tradition of entertaining Londoners as well as those visiting the city, though it has considerably transformed throughout the decades. The Alhambra Theatre has its beginnings in the Royal Panopticon of Science and Art, occupying the site from 1854 to 1856. It has been successfully operating as a theatre since the 1860s, a period which was only interrupted by a ghastly fire in 1882, after which the Alhambra was rebuilt and reopened the following year fitted even more gorgeously than before.
Elaborate ballets executed in a magnificant manner are a speciality of the Alhambra and ought to be experienced when in London. A true testimony to the Alhambra’s quality are the long queues which block the Square hours before the time of opening. It is therefore advised to plan one’s visit accordingly. Once inside the theatre, however, one will be rewarded with a luxurious atmosphere and excellent programme. Adjacent to the dress circle, a large saloon offering refreshments can be found in which smoking is permitted.
The luxurious interor of the Alhambra
​The Alhambra in flames
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A newspaper clipping of a spectacular ballet production
Begins at 7.30pm. Fauteuils and grand circle stalls 7s. 6d., stalls and promenade 5s., grand balcony 3s., pit stalls 2s., pit 1s.*
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*A note on currency: l. = pound, s. = shilling, d. = penny
The new entrance from Charing Cross
For visitors wishing to learn more about the amusements London has to offer for lovers of the theatre and music halls, please go to Amusement: Theatres & Music Halls.
Ultimately, cinema brought about the death of the variety theatre. Many of them had to make way for purposely-built cinemas – so too the Alhambra. It eventually closed its doors in 1936 and the building was demolished. Today, the Odeon Leicester Square stands on its site, continuing to entertain Londoners and those visiting the capital, having gained a status almost as iconic as its predecessor.
