Although it oozes history, The Strand’s Adelphi Theatre is actually the fourth theatre on this site. The first was built by a Mr Jay to designs by Samuel Beazley and was owned by wealthy merchant John Scott. Named the Sans Pareil (Without Care), the first production in 1806 was called “Miss Scott’s Entertainment” and starred the theatre owner’s daughter, Jane Scott. It never hurts if your Dad owns the place. In 1819, the theatre was sold and re-opened on 1 October 1819 as The Adelphi (the phrase means “brothers” and was taken from the Adelphi buildings opposite).

In 1829 the theatre changed its name to The Theatre Royal Adelphi and subsequently featured many adaptations of Charles Dickens’ early works, and even appears in The Pickwick Papers (you’ll have to read them to check!). In 1840 a new facade was added (designed once again by Samuel Beazley) and although in summer 1858 the first Adelphi was demolished, this grand lady of the Strand did not lay down for long.

On Boxing Night 1858 the second Adelphi Theatre opened, built by J Wilson to a design by T H Wyatt. Further renovations followed in 1879 and 1887 to designs by Spencer Chadwick. Larger and more comfortable, the second Adelphi hosted a number of popular French operettas and works by Sir Arthur Sullivan. During this period, the Adelphi was expanded under the ownership of the Gatti family. The Gattis, originally from Switzerland (you know, like Roger Federer and cows with bells on), owned both the Adelphi and Vaudeville theatres and were pivotal in the electrification of the West End and the founding of the Society of West End Theatre Managers.

In November 1900, the Adelphi was once again demolished (although the stage remained largely intact), rising again in 1901 in its third incarnation as The Century Theatre. Built by Frank Kirk to designs by Ernest Runtz, The Century’s name lasted only three years before reverting once again to The Adelphi. Home to a number of successful musical comedies in the early twentieth century and despite its huge improvements, within 30 years, the theatre was rebuilt yet again.

The fourth (and present) building opened in December 1930 as The Royal Adelphi Theatre, with a production of the Rodgers & Hart musical Evergreen. Built by Pitcher Construction company and designed by Ernest Schaufelberg in the Art Deco style, by 1940 the theatre’s name had once again reverted to The Adelphi (note to future owners – just stick to the name as it will clearly end up being called The Adelphi anyway). Despite the threat of closure of many theatres by the GLC in the 1960s, The Adelphi was saved by the Save London’s Theatres Campaign and on 1 December 1987 was granted Grade II Listed status.

The Adelphi is currently co-owned by LW Theatres & the Nederlander Group.