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
	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 or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

Burns Night

Burns Night at the Panopticon

24th January 2026

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

Join the Britannia Panopticon on Saturday 24th January for an evening of comedy, music and whisky as they celebrate Scotland's favourite poet - Robert Burns!

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

Tron Theatre

63 Trongate, Glasgow City Centre G1 5HB

The Tron Theatre has been a familiar landmark in Glasgow's Merchant City area for centuries and a popular cultural venue for over twenty years!

Theatres

Gilmorehill Theatre

9-11 University Avenue, Glasgow West End G12 8QQ

Gilmorehill Theatre G12 is run by Glasgow University and housed in a modern church conversion. In addition to the theatre the building also contains a...

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

Cottiers

93-95 Hyndland Street, Glasgow West End G11 5PU

Cottiers is a historic building located in the heart of Glasgow's West end that boasts a recently renovated theatre, restaurant and bar.

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

The Tower Digital Arts Centre

79-81 Sinclair Street, Helensburgh G84 8TG

The Tower is a not for profit Indy Cinema and Community Arts hub based in the town of Helensburgh!

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. Whether you're a fan of musicals, pantomimes, drama, dance or comedy it is a must-visit for any theatre lover!

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

Platform Glasgow

1000 Westerhouse Road, Glasgow East End G34 9JW

Platform is the arts centre at the heart of The Bridge, located in Easterhouse, offering a year-round programme of cutting edge performance, music, visual arts and participation.

Theatres

Glee Club Glasgow

11 Renfrew Street, Glasgow City Centre G2 3AB

Comedy in Glasgow has a rich history, and Glee Club are proud to bring our newest venue to such a vibrant city!

Theatres

Oran Mor

Oran Mor Byres Road, Glasgow West End G12 8QX

Formerly Kelvinside Parish Church, Òran Mór, Gaelic for 'great melody of life' or 'big song', is a thriving arts & entertainment venue in the heart of Glasgow's West End!

All Theatres listings in Glasgow