The Savoy Theatre
The first public building in the world to have electric lights.
Location: Savoy Street, Westminster
Description: The Savoy Theatre was the first building in London, and first public building in the world, to be lit by electricity.
It opened on 10 October 1881 after being built by Richard D'Oyly Carte. It was on the site of the old Savoy Palace - a showcase for the popular series of comic operas of Gilbert and Sullivan, which became known as the Savoy Operas.
Eight years later, in 1889, Richard D'Oyly Carte built the famous Savoy Hotel right next door to the theatre.
Richard's son Rupert D'Oyly Carte rebuilt and modernised the theatre in 1929, and it was again rebuilt in 1993 following a large fire. It is now a Grade II listed building.
Pioneer
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The first public building in the world to have electric lights. |
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