THE SAVOY THEATRE

SEVENTY years ago, on a piece of waste ground steeply sloping down from the Strand to the river Thames, Richard D'Oyly Carte built the original Savoy Theatre, which, by reason of its many daring innovations, at once provoked the admiration and scepticism of the late-Victorian theatrical world. Without a doubt the most startling feature of the building was the installation of electrical apparatus for lighting the stage and auditorium. Not even the most advanced pioneer spirits of the time could bring themselves to express complete approval of a proceeding so entirely novel. Indeed, the scepticism of the venture was so great that the experimenters themselves, in case the new power might prove itself unworthy of their faith, equipped the whole house with gas lighting as well.

Another remarkable innovation associated with the opening of the theatre concerned pit and gallery patrons, who found on arrival that what we now call the 'queue' system had been inaugurated. By this simple means the earliest comer and not, as hitherto, the most pugnacious secured the first place.

Judged by the standards of 1881, the old Savoy Theatre was about the most luxurious and practical playhouse in the world; and the present building which took its place in 1929 was inspired by the same pioneer spirit. In the course of
enlarging and reconstructing this historic home of Gilbert Sullivan Opera, everything possible was done to bring the building mechanically up to date; and to ensure for every member of the audience an equally perfect hearing of every word uttered or note sung, a comfortable seat, and an uninterrupted view of the stage.

The interior and exterior views above show how the first Savoy Theatre looked in 1881 when it opened on October 10th with 'Patience', transferred from the Opera Comique. Forty-eight years later, in 1929, the theatre was rebuilt; and below are shown Savoy Court and the present interior.