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.

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Upcoming Events at The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

Tour

Glasgow Theatre & Entertainment Tour

Selected dates between 10th April 2026 - 26th September 2026

Glasgow City Centre

Enjoy an edifying, amusing and sensational walking tour of the entertainment and theatre history of Glasgow with Judith Bowers, founder of The Spirit of Glasgow Tour Company!

Film

Silent Film Screening with Live Music: Metropolis

4th May 2026

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

Don't miss a special screening of the influential German science-fiction film Metropolis at Britannia Panopticon Music Hall featuring live music and sound effects from Gladstone's Bag!

Theatre

The Cult Of Astaroth

17th October 2026

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

Take part in a dark magick initiation ritual, and learn the secrets of the teachings of Astaroth with magician Ash Pryce, at The Britannia Panopticon, Scotland's most haunted music hall!

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