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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

Glasgow 850 Theatre & Entertainment Tour

Selected dates between 24th April 2025 - 30th August 2025
Glasgow City Centre

Enjoy an edifying, amusing and sensational walking tour of the entertainment and theatre history of Glasgow over the last 850 years!

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Laurel & Hardy Film Night

6th August 2025

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall's Laurel and Hardy Movie Night returns on Wednesday 6th August with a selection of classic films!

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Sponsored Links

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Sponsored Links

Glasgow Music City Tours
Media Shop
Open Pass Scotland
Hilton Glasgow
City Sightseeing Glasgow
City Of Glasgow Chorus
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
Glasgow City Council
Renfrewshire Council
East Renfrewshire Culture
Fayre Play
The Quay
Tea Green
Great Run Company

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