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

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.

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. We take every opportunity to ensure the details for The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall are accurate, please contact us at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk if any of the above information is incorrect.

Upcoming Events at The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

Music Hall Memories

Selected dates between 25th June 2022 - 24th September 2022

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

Enjoy some old time music hall shows and get a taste of the entertainment of the day at The Britannia Panopticon!
Read more

ELECTRIC MUSES with live music by Aurora Engine and Bell Lungs

10th July 2022

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

Cinetopia in collaborating with The Debutante brings a women-led evening of surrealist films and technologically-enhanced live music performed by Aurora Engine and Bell Lungs!
Read more

More Theatres in Glasgow

Theatre Royal Glasgow

282 Hope Street, Glasgow City Centre G2 3QA

Theatre Royal Glasgow is home to Scotland's resident companies, Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet, featuring a Victorian auditorium, Theatre Royal presents first class entertainment for all!
Read more

Harbour Arts Centre

114-116 Harbour Street, Irvine KA12 8PZ

Recognised as the cultural hub for North Ayrshire, Harbour Arts Centre (HAC) presents quality exhibitions, art and drama classes, theatre, comedy, live...
Read more

The Savings Bank

67 Bridge Street, Glasgow South Side G5 9JB

The Savings Bank is a spectacular independent venue in the immediate south of Glasgow.
Read more

The Tower Digital Arts Centre

79-81 Sinclair Street, Helensburgh G84 8TG

The Tower in Helensburgh is a new centre dedicated to Arts & Digital learning, development & performance. Located in the heart of the town on Sinclair...
Read more

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.
Read more

Joytown Grand Electric Theatre

42-48 New City Road, Glasgow City Centre G4 9JT

Joytown Grand Electric Theatre is a multi-arts event space in Glasgow's prominent chinatown. Most recently a disused snooker hall that lay empty for years...
Read more

The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow City Centre G2 3NY

The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall is one of Scotland’s most prestigious venues and world renowned classical, jazz, pop, rock and folk artists take to its stages for nearly 250 performances each year!
Read more

Kings Theatre Glasgow

297 Bath Street, Glasgow City Centre G2 4JN

King's Theatre Glasgow opened in 1904 as one of the most brilliant designs of the prolific theatre architect Frank Matcham and has played host to top stars and shows ever since!
Read more

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.
Read more

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!
Read more

All Theatres listings in Glasgow

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Venues