The verdi gris inside (Apollo Victoria Theatre in general)

Name: Happyjaw

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Product:	Apollo Victoria Theatre in general
Date:	12/08/08 (30 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A beautiful theatre which lends itself entirely to the theme of the current show inside

Disadvantages: Bad planning for concessions and lavatories

I was under the impression that the interior decor had been created, undoubtedly at great expense, just for the current show in residence, Wicked.

However, that is inaccurate, the theatre has undergone renovations throughout some of the most artistic eras in the UK which is where the fantastic and somewhat ethereal design comes from.

The building was designed as the New Victoria 'super cinema' by E. Warmsley Lewis and W E Trent in 1929 in it's fantastic art deco style. The building is created in severe and unattractive concrete, relieved by vertical fluting to the front, and horizontal fluting to the side. The standard bore of concrete is dressed with polished marble, granite, and chrome detailing.

The cinema closed in 1975, reopening six years later as the New Victoria Theatre, with a concert by Shirley Bassey to celebrate the opening night.

For 18 years, the theatre was home to Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, Starlight Express, for which the theatre was extensively redesigned to accommodate a complex roller skating performance arena.

The interior design colour seems to be purely coincidental, the lead character in Wicked is green skinned and the show has a green theme coursing throughout which is demonstrative of much of the story line. The green features throughout the theatre decor and really does add to the whole experience.

I can't imagine another show fitting in quite so well.
The staff at the theatre were very polite and courteous.
The concessions stands are not well placed which causes problems when queueing during intervals, the same applies to the lavatories which are not easy to access.

The building does have multiple entrances which creates some respite to the colossal amount of people entering the building for the shows.

Summary: Worth seeing the show and enjoying the venue