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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!

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

About The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

113-117 Trongate, Glasgow City Centre G1 5HD
01415530840
The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall Website
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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.

Upcoming Events at The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

Victorian Christmas

6th December 2025

This Christmas enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, browse beautiful vintage-inspired jewellery & gifts, enjoy live music, silent film screenings, or even have your fortune told at the Britannia Panopticon!

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Sponsored Links

Hilton Glasgow
Children's Classic Concerts
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Glasgow Marriott
City Of Glasgow Chorus
Hilton Glasgow
Glasgow Science Centre
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East Renfrewshire Culture
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