Novelty Theatre, Victorian theatre in Great Queen Street, London Borough of Camden, England
The Novelty Theatre was a Victorian theatre building on Great Queen Street designed by Thomas Verity with typical architectural features of late nineteenth-century London theatres. The building featured two separate entrances at different points in its operation to serve the visiting public.
The theatre opened in 1882 with a performance of the comic opera Melita before establishing itself in London's cultural landscape. It was renamed Great Queen Street Theatre in 1900 as its role and standing evolved.
The venue brought daring new works to London audiences who wanted to see the latest theatrical ideas. People came to experience stories and performances that challenged what theatre could be.
The location sits in central London where Great Queen Street meets Kingsway, making it convenient to reach from many parts of the city. You can walk there easily and reach it using various forms of public transport.
A tragic accident occurred on stage in 1896 when actor Wilfred Moritz Franks caused the death of fellow performer Temple E. Crozier during a live performance. This incident remains one of the most unsettling events in the theatre's past.
Location: London Borough of Camden
Inception: December 9, 1882
Architects: Thomas Verity
Official opening: December 9, 1882
GPS coordinates: 51.51520,-0.12121
Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:21
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