The Aldwych Theatre, City of Westminster, London

Entry Name: The Aldwych Theatre

Listing Date: 20 July 1971

Grade: II

Source: Historic England

Source ID: 1210115

English Heritage Legacy ID: 208539

ID on this website: 101210115

Location: Strand, Westminster, London, WC2B

County: London

District: City of Westminster

Electoral Ward/Division: St James's

Parish: Non Civil Parish

Built-Up Area: City of Westminster

Traditional County: Middlesex

Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Greater London

Church of England Parish: St Paul Covent Garden

Church of England Diocese: London

Tagged with: Theatre Edwardian architecture

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Description

TQ 3081 SE CITY OF WESTMINSTER ALDWYCH, WC2
60/20 (North side)

20.7.71 The Aldwych Theatre

G.V. II

Theatre. 1905 by W.G.R. Sprague. Portland stone faced, concealed roof.
Lively Free classicism of vaguely Beaux Arts derivation, part of the
Aldwych-Kingsway development and designed as a reverse pair to the Strand
Theatre q.v. flanking the Waldorf hotel q.v. in a symmetrical composition.
4 storeys and attic storey. Identical 3-window wide elevations to Aldwych
and Drury Lane, linked by inset, bowed, 2-window wide corner entrance
pavilion. Ground and 1st floors treated as rusticated podium with entrance
to corner under canopy returned to both fronts. Arcaded 1st floor windows.
Above 1st floor cornices rises a giant engaged Ionic order embracing the
2nd and 3rd floors with the 2nd floor windows treated as steep pedimented
Venetian windows. Tall attic storey above main entablature fronted to
Aldwych and Drury Lane by applied pediments, attic cornice and blocking
course surmounted by ball finials. Generous use of high and low-relief
statuary groups, swags, pendants and reverse scrolls. Each pedimented
attic carries statuary group on die. Drury Lane facade continued as lower
red brick wing with stone dressings. Interior has semi-elliptical
vestibule; C.17 style, stuccoed, 2-storeyed foyer with gallery and top 1st
staircase rising in one flight and returning in 2. Elegant auditorium in
Beaux Arts Dixhuitieme with 2 cantilevered balconies and ceiling with
coffered dome; stucco work expresses classical superimposition of 3 orders
with finely executed pendants, trophies, be-ribboned wreaths etc.; tiers of
boxes flanking proscenium etc..

The Theatres of London; Mander and Mitchenson.

Listing NGR: TQ3063481027

External Links

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