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London Theater Turmoil precedes ROH Reopening

© Stuart Buchanan MacWatt

Could it be the aura of the August 11th's total solar eclipse influencing the actions of mortals? We shall never know. But London's West End theaterland is still numb from the shock of hearing the news that the great Stoll Moss Theater Group, owner of 10 West End theaters including the London Palladium, is calling it a day and inviting offers. And now the Apollo Leisure Group,(70,000 theater ticket sales per week), owners of four West End Theaters and the Manchester Opera House and Palace Theatre, have sold out without prior notice to the US giant SFX Entertainment. Add to this the projected sale of a further 7 theaters owned by Crescent, and you have the disturbing sight of more than half of London's West End theaterland changing hands at the same time. This is an upheaval of unparalleled proportions that will have repercussions reverberating throughout theaterland, not only in London and England, but also in New York. Watch this space for updates on the fallout.

While you still can, give yourself and your Lady a once in a lifetime red carpet treatment in London. Buy her a rose to wear with that elegant black dress you bought her and take her to a Stoll Moss Champagne Reception Night at one of their theaters. Complete the glittering evening by dining her at the Ritz - a memorable night out in London's West End in true fin de siecle style. For more details email to: info@stoll-moss.com .

On a happier note I report that the Royal Opera Company is finally coming home to London's Covent Garden after two years out in the cold. During this painful time, while theRoyal Opera House, (which the Company shares with the Royal Ballet company), in picturesque Covent Garden was refurbished with 214 million pounds from National Lottery funds, the Royal Opera Company came near to bankruptcy.

The new Royal Opera House now emerging from its chrysalis includes the old Covent Garden market Floral Hall. This once magnificent Victorian Gothic emporium of soaring cast- iron pillars and glass was designed by Sir Charles Barry, architect of the London Houses of Parliament,(did you know you can apply to visit the Houses of Parliament?) and completed in 1860. It has been lovingly restored to its former glittering pride to stand as a showpiece theater foyer and additional performance space for the Opera House which dates back to 1857, when it was rebuilt for the third time.

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