Why do we hold some theatre names in more affection than others?
WHAT’S in a name? A great deal, judging by an extraordinary row that’s broken out in north London over the rechristening of the Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn as the Kiln.
People have been picketing outside, demanding the restoration of the old name, but the artistic director, Indhu Rubasingham, backed by local actors such as Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton, fiercely denies that she’s disowning the refurbished theatre’s distinguished past. What is amazing, however, is the passion her decision has provoked.
Does it really matter what a theatre is called? Clearly it does, although it’s fair to point out that the majority of West End theatres have, at some point in their history, been renamed
The Adelphi Theatre in the Strand started life in 1806 as the Sans Pareil: a somewhat recondite name for a theatre that kicked off with a popular programme of songs, recitations and fireworks. The Duke of York’s was originally known as the Trafalgar Square Theatre and —I hope you’re still with me— the current Trafalgar Studios was, for many decades, the Whitehall Theatre and associated with trouser-dropping farce.
There have been more rechristenings in the West End than you’ll find in the last act of The Importance of Being Earnest. A classic case is the Prince Edward in Old Compton Street, which has reverted to its original name, at Cameron Mackintosh’s instigation, after long being known as the London Casino.
This story is from the September 18, 2018 edition of Country Life UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 18, 2018 edition of Country Life UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Kitchen garden cook - Apples
'Sweet and crisp, apples are the epitome of autumn flavour'
The original Mr Rochester
Three classic houses in North Yorkshire have come to the market; the owner of one inspired Charlotte Brontë to write Jane Eyre
Get it write
Desks, once akin to instruments of torture for scribes, have become cherished repositories of memories and secrets. Matthew Dennison charts their evolution
'Sloes hath ben my food'
A possible paint for the Picts and a definite culprit in tea fraud, the cheek-suckingly sour sloe's spiritual home is indisputably in gin, says John Wright
Souvenirs of greatness
FOR many years, some large boxes have been stored and forgotten in the dark recesses of the garage. Unpacked last week, the contents turned out to be pots: some, perhaps, nearing a century old—dense terracotta, of interesting provenance.
Plants for plants' sake
The garden at Hergest Croft, Herefordshire The home of Edward Banks The Banks family is synonymous with an extraordinary collection of trees and shrubs, many of which are presents from distinguished friends, garnered over two centuries. Be prepared to be amazed, says Charles Quest-Ritson
Capturing the castle
Seventy years after Christian Dior’s last fashion show in Scotland, the brand returned under creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri for a celebratory event honouring local craftsmanship, the beauty of the land and the Auld Alliance, explains Kim Parker
Nature's own cathedral
Our tallest native tree 'most lovely of all', the stately beech creates a shaded environment that few plants can survive. John Lewis-Stempel ventures into the enchanted woods
All that money could buy
A new book explores the lost riches of London's grand houses. Its author, Steven Brindle, looks at the residences of plutocrats built by the nouveaux riches of the late-Victorian and Edwardian ages
In with the old
Diamonds are meant to sparkle in candlelight, but many now gather dust in jewellery boxes. To wear them today, we may need to reimagine them, as Hetty Lintell discovers with her grandmother's jewellery
