The Albery

TQ 3080 NW CITY OF WESTMINSTER ST. MARTIN'S LANE, WC2 72/73 27.6.63 The Albery (Formerly The New Theatre) G.V. II Theatre. 1903 by W.G. Sprague, Frank Matcham's pupil and collaborator, Claude Ponsonby consultant for interior decoration. Portland stone front, with short return to brick side, slate roof. Free Classical eclecticism. 3 and 4 storeys. 9 windows wide, with 5 central bays slightly advanced. Arcaded entrances beneath iron and glass canopy across ground floor, its centre part ornamented and probably original. The 1st and 2nd floors, articulated by giant Ionic order, have central 1st floor windows in 5 bay arcaded loggia; architraved windows above. Bold crowning entablature and balustraded parapet with ball finials on dies. The parapet interrupted by the broad pediment over the advanced centre bays and with carved tympanum. 3 window south return in same style contained by plain flank of auditorium. The auditorium interior is in restrained French neo-classical taste with coupled Doric half-columns and pilasters; 3 bombé fronted tiers of balconies and 3 tier stage boxes within reveal of proscenium arch; main ceiling with shallow dome; delicate painted decoration and graceful "Louis XVI" stucco reliefs and mouldings with ormulu tripod lamps to the 1st balcony wall and ormulu and stucco sconces to the balcony fronts and 2nd balcony wall, etc. The Theatres of London; Mander and Mitchenson.

Listing NGR: TQ3003980795