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
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	Facebook information can be found here
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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.

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Upcoming Events at The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

Theatre

Italian Horror Stories

20th March 2025

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

Italian Horror Stories at The Britannia Panopticon weaves together spine-chilling terror with moments of macabre humor, creating a uniquely unsettling yet entertaining experience.

Comedy

Step Right Up

21st March 2025

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

Step Right Up for a night of laughs, titters and guffaws galore as Paul Puppet introduces some of the most hilarious acts of the Scottish variety, cabaret and burlesque stage.

Comedy

The Laurel Awards Launch Event

22nd March 2025

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

Join The Britannia Panopticon for the launch of the 2025 Laurel Awards with performances by some of the fan favourite acts of 2024!

Comedy

Tom Whiston: The Dandy Daniels

28th March 2025

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

This is a tale of friendships lost, and learning to live with a present that isn't as rosy as the past. It's also the story of a barbershop singer who was kicked out of his quartet for stage-diving.

Comedy

Don’t Cry For Me, I’m The Cleaner: Confessions Of A Glasgow Scrubber

29th March 2025

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

Filled with laughs, tears & gossip Jean has put down her soap bar and got on her soap box, don't miss Don't Cry For Me, I'm The Cleaner: Confessions Of A Glasgow Scrubber at The Britannia Panopticon!

Film

Reefer Madness (1936)

4th April 2025

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

Often called 'one of the worst films ever made', Reefer Madness is now regarded as a camp classic, catch this special screening at The Britannia Panopticon on Friday 4th April!

Film

Laurel & Hardy Film Night

9th April 2025

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall's Laurel and Hardy Movie Night returns on Wednesday 9th April with a selection of classic films!

Shopping

Second Hand Rose Vintage & Craft Fair

19th April 2025

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

Love a good rummage? Adore a Jumble sale? Can't resist a car boot? Can't walk past a charity shop? Then join the Britannia Panopticon for their Second Hand Rose Vintage & Craft Fair!

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