The London Palladium Theatre

TQ 2981 SW CITY OF WESTMINSTER ARGYLL STREET, W1 57/41 28.6.72 The London Palladium Theatre

• II*

Theatre. 1910 by Frank Matcham, replacing Hengler's Cirque. Stucco, slate roof. 2 storeys and attic. 7-bay front in form of octastyle pedimented temple facade, the centre 2 columns omitted for main theatre entrance approached by flight of steps with double pairs of panelled and glazed doors sheltered by cantilevered glazed canopy; the 3 centre bays above treated as open arcaded loggia. Outer bays have round arched doorways with foliage enriched keystones and spandrel panels to 1st floor with similarly arched windows, mask keystones and panelled aprons below boldly bracketed sills. The giant Corinthian columns are fluted, on tall pedestals, full entablature and overall pediment (with 3 oculi) surmounted by sculptured figure groups. Interior unaltered and one of Matcham's finest - foyer and circle bar in French rococo taste; richly decorated auditorium with classical and rococo details; 2 tiers of cantilevered balconies run into 2 giant niches on flanks, that nearest stage with 3 tiers of boxes and single pedimented and bowed balcony stage boxes; architrave mouldings flanking proscenium which has a segmented arched frieze and bold cornice on paired brackets broken to centre by segmented pediment, on massive consoles, containing cartouche and mask; ceiling has bracketed cornice and is segmental vaulted with heavily enriched frame to lantern etc.

Survey of London; Vol. XXXI.

Listing NGR: TQ2915281154