Between the wars, the West End experienced a mini-boom of theatre openings, peaking in 1930. Four opening that year are still with us. The fifth turned into a cine-variety disaster. I’ll discuss that one.
In 1906-1907 two theatres opened, at either end of an island site on Shaftesbury Avenue. Built as near-identical twins, in 2026 one remains in all its Edwardian glory while the other .... well, oh dear.
A decrepit corner building bearing the name Plumage House stands on a quiet Hoxton street. Investigation reveals tales of riots, balloons, court cases, bankruptcy and murder.
The Egyptian Hall stood on Piccadilly from 1812 to 1905, an extraordinary piece of architecture of the 'sticks-out-like-a-sore-thumb' type. However, that was nothing compared to those involved in the displays and shows.
It started as an attempt at the 'moral elevation' of the people and ended as an amusement palace. The story of the Royal Aquarium is full of curious tales and eccentric people.
The problem of buildings falling down has existed since time immemorial. I've picked a selection of unusual incidents caused by poor design, subsidence or simple wear & tear.
The everyday story of the last surviving Thameside warehouse in the Square Mile, featuring tea, Frankenstein, arson, frost fairs, John the pony and Timothy West.
