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.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

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.

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Glasgow? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Glasgow Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

Comedy

The Panopticon Comedy Club

9th January 2026

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

Catch a phenomenal night of comedy with a dazzling array of acts including comedy singers who get the crowd involved and a well-known headliner at the Britannia Panopticon!

Days Out

Tea and Tarot

10th January 2026

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

Join the Britannia Panopticon for an enchanting afternoon featuring personalised tarot readings, spiritual treasures, and a delightful spread of teas!

Burns Night

Burns Night at the Panopticon

24th January 2026

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

Join the Britannia Panopticon on Saturday 24th January for an evening of comedy, music and whisky as they celebrate Scotland's favourite poet - Robert Burns!

Theatres

Kings Theatre Glasgow

297 Bath Street, Glasgow City Centre G2 4JN

King's Theatre Glasgow is one of Scotland's most historic and significant theatres. Whether you're a fan of musicals, pantomimes, drama, dance or comedy it is a must-visit for any theatre lover!

Theatres

SEC Centre

Scottish Event Campus Exhibition Way, Glasgow West End G3 8YW

Find out what's on at the SEC Centre Glasgow and book your tickets online with What's On Glasgow!

Theatres

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.

Theatres

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!

Theatres

Kilmardinny House

50 Kilmardinny Avenue, Bearsden G61 3NN

This stunning Georgian mansion, nestled in the tranquil suburbs of Bearsden, is surrounded by idyllic scenery and beautiful landscaped gardens.

Theatres

The Mitchell Library and Theatre

The Mitchell Library North Street, Glasgow City Centre G3 7DN

The Mitchell Library is one of Europe's largest public libraries with over one million items of stock and is the hub of a city-wide information service, it's also home to the Mitchell Theatre!

Theatres

Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre

Kelvingrove Park Kelvin Way, Glasgow West End G12 8NR

The Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre offers a unique open air performance space in the idyllic grounds of Kelvingrove Park!

Theatres

Scottish Event Campus

Scottish Event Campus Exhibition Way, Glasgow West End G3 8YW

Find out what's on at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow and book your tickets online with What's On Glasgow!

Theatres

The OVO Hydro

Scottish Event Campus Exhibition Way, Glasgow West End G3 8YW

Find out what's on at The OVO Hydro in Glasgow and book your tickets online with What's On Glasgow!

Theatres

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!

Theatres

Citizens Theatre

119 Gorbals Street, Glasgow South Side G5 9DS

The Citizens Theatre is an iconic venue and theatre company in the Gorbals area of Glasgow, creating ground-breaking theatre productions and empowering participatory projects.

Theatres

The Social Hub Glasgow

15 Candleriggs Square, Glasgow City Centre G1 1TQ

The Social Hub is a home for next-gen students and professionals, a hotel for travellers, a coworking space for big thinkers, a playground for entrepreneurs and a city meeting place for locals!

All Theatres listings in Glasgow