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

Christmas

Victorian Christmas

6th December 2025

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

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!

Theatres

The Social Hub Glasgow

15 Candleriggs Square, Glasgow City Centre G1 1TQ

The Social Hub is a home for next-gen students and professionals, a hotel for travellers, a coworking space for big thinkers, a playground for entrepreneurs and a city meeting place for locals!

Theatres

Websters Theatre

416 Great Western Road, Glasgow West End G4 9HZ

Websters Glasgow is a performing arts theatre, bar and restaurant situated in Glasgow's West End occupying the building of the 19th century former Lansdowne Parish Church.

Theatres

Fort Theatre

Fort Theatre Kenmure Avenue, Bishopbriggs G64 2DW

The Fort Theatre is home to the Antonine Theatre Group who perform at least two full-length plays and a pantomime per season. Cabaret nights are also a regular feature in the theatre group's calendar.

Theatres

Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre

103 Trongate, Glasgow City Centre G1 5HD

Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre is one of the most popular and unique attractions in Glasgow, entertaining and enthralling its audiences for over three decades since the original opening in 1989.

Theatres

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

100 Renfrew Street, Glasgow City Centre G2 3DB

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is a world-leading conservatoire of music, drama, dance, production and film located in Glasgow City Centre.

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