Birthday present makeover for the London Palladium
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London Theatre Direct
Plans for a dramatic refurbishment of the London Palladium theatre are announced to celebrate it's 100th year.
Andrew Lloyd Webber announced "the beginning of the biggest programme of refurbishment and change in the Palladium's history" at a star-studded bash to toast the theatre's centenary. A new lift improving access to the Stalls level, a new box office area and the creation of three new function spaces in the old box office's space will all be introduced before the Palladium's next show, The Wizard Of Oz, opens in February 2011.
The iconic revolving stage will be restored and toilet facilities will also be improved. The news was met with delight at the celebrations by past performers who have trodden the theatre's boards as well as other glitterati invited to wellwish the beloved theatre. Lloyd Webber and Bruce Forsyth - a former host of Sunday Night At The London Palladium - unveiled a plaque to mark the centenary and were joined by leading showbusiness figures including Elaine Paige, Jonathan Pryce, Sheila Hancock, Lesley Garrett, Jason Donovan, Russ Abbot, Des O'Connor, Hayley Westenra and Brian Conley.
The theatre’s first production in 1910 was a variety show and one act play called The Conspiracy.