The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

The Britannia Music Hall (The Panopticon) located at the end of Argyle Street in Glasgow's Trongate is the oldest surviving music hall in the world!

About The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

	113-117 Trongate, Glasgow City Centre G1 5HD
	01415530840
	The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall Website
	Follow britpanopticon on Twitter
	Facebook information can be found here
	Follow britpanopticon on Instagram

Listed Under Attractions - Theatres / Attractions - History and Culture / Attractions - Live Music Venues

Built in 1857 by Thomas Gildard and H. M. McFarlane, it has hosted some of the biggest names on the Music hall circuit.

In 1906 Stan Laurel made his first stage appearance there on amateur night. In that same year A. E. Pickard bought the building and changed its name to the Panopticon. He also undertook some major works, installing a freak show, a roof top carnival and a waxworks. He also excavated the basement and installed an indoor zoo.

The Panopticon was one of the first buildings in Glasgow become powered by electricity and one of the first cinemas in Scotland. It closed in 1938 when it was sold to a tailors and converted to a workshop. It is currently being conserved by a trust who regularly perform traditional shows in the auditorium. It is now protected as a category A listed building.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Glasgow? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Glasgow Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our @WhatsOnGlasgow Twitter or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

Shopping

Halloween Hideaway Market

18th October 2025

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

Expect traders selling jewellery, crystals, incense, candles, bath products, spooky homeware, sweet treat and much much more when the Halloween Hideaway Market comes to the Britannia Panopticon!

Halloween

Ghost Stories

24th October 2025

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

For one night only, don't miss a spooktacular evening of ghostly tales, haunting melodies and otherworldly encounters at the world's oldest and most haunted music hall, the Britannia Panopticon!

Theatre

Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadowcast with the Denton Deviants

25th October 2025

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

Scotland's Rocky Horror shadowcast, and the only active Shadowcast in the UK, the Denton Deviants are bringing the Timewarp to the world's oldest surviving music hall!

Film

The Unholy Three: Silent Movie With Live Music

29th October 2025

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

For Halloween season Gladstone's Bag presents Tod Browning's silent feature film 'The Unholy Three' alongside a live musical orchestra at the world's oldest and probably most haunted music hall!

Theatres

Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre

Kelvingrove Park Kelvin Way, Glasgow West End G12 8NR

The Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre offers a unique open air performance space in the idyllic grounds of Kelvingrove Park!

Theatres

SEC Armadillo

Scottish Event Campus Exhibition Way, Glasgow West End G3 8YW

The SEC Armadillo is more than just a fantastic, purpose-built venue; it's been described as Glasgow's most iconic building and its stylish curves are a landmark sight in the city!

Theatres

Queens Park Arena

Queens Park Langside Road, Glasgow South Side G42

Queen's Park Arena is a unique urban outdoor destination in the heart of Glasgow's Southside. The venue can accommodate many types of events from small community events to headlining acts!

Theatres

Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Glasgow West End G12 0QF

Based in the West End of Glasgow, the Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre comprises a theatre (80 seats), museum and education unit.

Theatres

Kings Theatre Glasgow

297 Bath Street, Glasgow City Centre G2 4JN

King's Theatre Glasgow is one of Scotland's most historic and significant theatres and is a must-visit for any theatre lover!

Theatres

Citizens Theatre

119 Gorbals Street, Glasgow South Side G5 9DS

The Citizens Theatre is an iconic venue and theatre company in the Gorbals area of Glasgow, creating ground-breaking theatre productions and empowering participatory projects.

Theatres