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
|
The first public building in the world to have electric lights. |
Ranking This Month: 1081/3085
Pages Hit This Month: 68
Your Comments:
Other places nearby:
Shakespeare\'s Curtain Theatre», 1.9km
Scene of the Flying Man!», 1.2km
Wiltons Music Hall», 2.3km
The Duke of Yorks Theatre», 0.2km
A Theatre fit for a Baron», 270km
Comedy of Errors 1st Performance», 0.7km
The Globe Theatre», 1.0km
Finsbury Park Empire», 3.7km
Lionel Barts party house», 3.1km
Little Angel Theatre», 2.1km
Location Pinpointed:
Open Street Maps», Google Maps»
pinpointing the forgotten and lost history of London
Shady Old Lady »» Car Reviews »» Classic Telly »» Peckish © 2026 The Shady Old Lady, Privacy Policy
