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Questions about Prince of Wales Theatre

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When did the Prince of Wales Theatre first open?

The Prince of Wales Theatre first opened in January 1884, when architect C.J. Phipps built the Prince's Theatre for actor-manager Edgar Bruce. It was renamed the Prince of Wales Theatre in 1886 after the future Edward VII.

When did The Beatles perform at the Prince of Wales Theatre?

The Beatles performed at the Prince of Wales Theatre on the 4th of November 1963, during the Royal Variety Show. They performed in the presence of the Queen Mother and her younger daughter.

How many times has the Prince of Wales Theatre been rebuilt?

The theatre has been rebuilt twice. The original 1884 building was demolished and replaced with a new Art Deco theatre designed by Robert Cromie, which opened on the 27th of October 1937. The building was then extensively refurbished in 2004 by Sir Cameron Mackintosh.

What is the longest-running show at the Prince of Wales Theatre?

The Book of Mormon is the longest-running musical at the Prince of Wales Theatre, having celebrated its 4,000th performance there on the 6th of June 2024. It first opened at the theatre on the 25th of February 2013.

What was the first major Alice in Wonderland stage production and where did it premiere?

Henry Savile Clarke and Walter Slaughter's musical Alice in Wonderland, considered the first major stage production of Lewis Carroll's books, debuted at the Prince of Wales Theatre on the 23rd of December 1886. Phoebe Carlo played the title role, and Carroll himself attended a performance seven days later.

Who owns the Prince of Wales Theatre in London?

Sir Cameron Mackintosh owns the Prince of Wales Theatre. He oversaw an extensive refurbishment of the building completed in 2004, which raised seating capacity to 1,160 and fully rebuilt the auditorium.