Apollo Victoria Theatre
Sections:
Theatre build date:
1929
History:
Opened as a ‘super-cinema’ in 1930, the New Victoria Cine-Variety Theatre was designed by Ernest Wainsley Lewis and William Edward Trent and was Grade II listed in 1972. Constructed in concrete and black marble, the art deco building is unusual in that it has two identical entrances, one on Wilton Road facing Victoria mainline station and the other on Vauxhall Bridge Road. Equipped with a large stage, ten dressing rooms and two suites for use by principle artists, the venue’s purpose as a stage for live performance was always just as important as its use as a cinema.
In 1975, the New Victoria closed its doors for an extensive refurbishment, reopening in 1981 as the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Playing host to concerts by a number of musical legends throughout the early 1980’s such as Shirley Bassey, Dean Martin, Liza Minelli and Bucks Fizz, the theatre also put its capable facilities to good use by staging musical theatre.
Notable productions at the Apollo Victoria have included Camelot, The Sound Of Music, Fiddler On The Roof and the spectacular Starlight Express, which enjoyed eighteen sensational years before the premiere of the hugely successful Bombay Dreams in 2002.
Hauntings:
It has been said that a ley line runs underneath the Apollo Victoria, and that devastating effects of the Blitz may have created some negative energy, resulting in much poltergeist activity and ghostly sightings throughout the theatre.
Previously called:
New Victoria Cine-Variety Theatre
Previously showing:
Movin’ Out (2006)
Saturday Night Fever (2004)
Bombay Dreams (2002)
Starlight Express (1984)
Close to:
Victoria Station
Westminster Abbey
Houses of Parliament
Contact Details
Apollo Victoria Theatre
Wilton Road
SW1V 1LL
For all ticket enquiries, call:
0871 789 1004
Map
Facilities
Theatre capacity:
2,208
Stage door location:
The stage door is located on a small side street between Wilton Road and Vauxhall bridge Road.
Theatre layout:
Having originally been built as a cinema, the two-tier structure of the Apollo Victoria allows clear and unobstructed views from all positions in the auditorium. In the stalls, even being towards the back has its compensations; there is still no obstruction to the view, and rows Q to X enjoy maximum legroom.
In the circle, height and distance are the main factors in the price differences. Again, the views are essentially unobstructed, but towards the back, legroom becomes limited.
Air conditioned:
Yes
