The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

The Britannia Music Hall (The Panopticon) in Trongate, Glasgow, Scotland 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
	Follow britpanopticon on Twitter
	Facebook information can be found here

Listed Under Attractions - History and Culture Attractions - Live Music Venues Attractions - Theatres

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

The Drag-Opticon Show

7th February 2020

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall are proud to present to you the best of the flourishing Glasgow drag scene with The Drag-Opticon Show!

The Drag-Opticon Show

6th March 2020

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall are proud to present to you the best of the flourishing Glasgow drag scene with The Drag-Opticon Show!

The BIG Variety

13th March 2020

Be prepared to laugh yourselves silly when The BIG Variety returns to the Britannia Panopticon as part of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival!

Gallous Gals

14th March 2020

Glasgow Comedy Festival: The Vesta Girls present an evening of hilarious drag stand up with some of the funniest, puniest queens in Scotland!

The Panopticon Comedy Club

20th March 2020

Laugh til the tears run down your legs when Glasgow's finest comedians take to the stage at The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall‎!

Don’t Get Mad, Get Everything

27th March 2020

Glasgow Comedy Festival: Don't Get Mad, Get Everything at The Britannia Panopticon is a hilarious drag parody of the 1996 classic film: First Wives Club!

The Drag-Opticon Show

3rd April 2020

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall are proud to present to you the best of the flourishing Glasgow drag scene with The Drag-Opticon Show!

The Drag-Opticon Show

1st May 2020

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall are proud to present to you the best of the flourishing Glasgow drag scene with The Drag-Opticon Show!

The Drag-Opticon Show

5th June 2020

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall are proud to present to you the best of the flourishing Glasgow drag scene with The Drag-Opticon Show!

The Drag-Opticon Show

3rd July 2020

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall are proud to present to you the best of the flourishing Glasgow drag scene with The Drag-Opticon Show!

The Drag-Opticon Show

7th August 2020

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall are proud to present to you the best of the flourishing Glasgow drag scene with The Drag-Opticon Show!

The Drag-Opticon Show

4th September 2020

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall are proud to present to you the best of the flourishing Glasgow drag scene with The Drag-Opticon Show!

The Drag-Opticon Show

2nd October 2020

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall are proud to present to you the best of the flourishing Glasgow drag scene with The Drag-Opticon Show!

The Drag-Opticon Show

6th November 2020

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall are proud to present to you the best of the flourishing Glasgow drag scene with The Drag-Opticon Show!

The Drag-Opticon Show

4th December 2020

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall are proud to present to you the best of the flourishing Glasgow drag scene with The Drag-Opticon Show!

More History and Culture in Glasgow

Auld Kirk Museum

Auld Kirk Museum Cowgate, Kirkintilloch G66 1HN

The Auld Kirk Museum is located on one of the oldest sites in Kirkintilloch. The museum houses a rich collection of objects of local, national and international...
Read more

Blairquhan Castle

Blairquhan Castle , Maybole KA19 7LY

Blairquhan is one of the finest Regency castles in Scotland. The Castle has been discreetly modernised to provide very comfortable facilities and a unique...
Read more

Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park

Brodick Castle , Brodick KA27 8HY

Gardens, woodland, waterfalls and a castle packed with treasures make Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park a must-visit on Arran!
Read more

Clydebank Heritage Centre

Clydebank Heritage Centre Dumbarton Road, Clydebank G81 1XH

A unique collection of information on the history and culture of Clydebank and surrounding area including the villages of Duntocher, Hardgate and Old...
Read more

Clydebank Museum and Art Gallery

Clydebank Museum and Art Gallery Dumbarton Road, Clydebank G81 1UE

Clydebank Museum opened in 1980 in Clydebank Town Hall. It was originally operated by volunteers drawn from the local communities that had lobbied for...
Read more

Crookston Castle

Brockburn Road, Glasgow South Side G53 5RY

Crookston Castle is Glasgow's only surviving medieval castle.Crookston Castle Sits High on top of natural Hill high above the levern water.The Castle...
Read more

Culzean Castle and Country Park

Culzean Castle and Country Park , Maybole KA19 8LE

With a dramatic clifftop setting, Robert Adam architecture, fascinating history & beautiful surrounds, Culzean Castle is one of Scotland's best days out!
Read more

Curious About Glasgow Tour

, Various Locations Glasgow

Have fun discovering Glasgow with two self-guided, heritage walks with an optional treasure hunt... buy or instantly download & get curious!
Read more

Dalgarven Mill Museum of Country Life & Costume

Dalgarven Mill Dalgarven, Kilwinning KA13 6PL

Dalgarven Mill is a treasure trove, created in a group of outstanding historical industrial buildings in a beautiful rural location in Ayrshire.No longer...
Read more

Dean Castle Country Park

Dean Castle Country Park Dean Road, Kilmarnock KA3 1XB

Dean Castle Country Park is a fantastic free day out for all the family. The country park, covering over 200 acres, is nestled in the heart of Kilmarnock...
Read more

Dramble Tours

, Various Locations Glasgow

Dramble Tours combines two fun activities in a unique WHISKY WALKING TOUR of Glasgow!
Read more

Dumbarton Castle

Dumbarton Castle , Dumbarton G82 1JJ

Impressively situated on a volcanic rock overlooking the Firth of Clyde, Dumbarton Castle was an important royal refuge in the Middle Ages.
Read more

Fairfield Heritage Centre

1030-1048 Govan Road, Glasgow South Side G51 4QU

For 100 years Govan was the centre of shipbuilding on the Clyde. Here some of the finest, most luxurious liners, steamships and naval vessels were designed...
Read more

Gallery of Modern Art

Gallery of Modern Art Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow City Centre G1 3AH

Situated in the heart of the city, GoMA is Scotland's most visited modern art gallery displaying work that highlights the interests, influences and working methods of artists from around the world!
Read more

Garrison House

Garrison House Glasgow Street, Millport KA28 0DJ

Fully restored to its former glory in 2008, Garrison House now boasts the local NHS Medical Centre, a state of the art Library, the Museum of the Cumbraes...
Read more

George Square

George Square George Street, Glasgow City Centre G2 1DU

Throughout the year, Glasgow's George Square is a focal point for many popular events such as Piping Live! and Glasgow Loves Christmas!
Read more

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral Castle Street, Glasgow City Centre G4 0QZ

Built in the 1100s, Glasgow Cathedral is an awe-inspiring medieval building dedicated to St Kentigern, also known as St Mungo the Patron Saint of Glasgow.
Read more

Glasgow Central Tours

Glasgow Central Station Gordon Street, Glasgow City Centre G1 3SL

Explore one of Glasgow's most iconic landmarks, from the platforms to the subterranean vaults on a Glasgow Central Tour!The tour explores many parts of...
Read more

Glasgow City Chambers

Glasgow City Chambers George Square, Glasgow City Centre G2 1DU

The focal point of George Square is one of the city’s most iconic and imposing buildings, the City Chambers, whose magnificence tells the story of the...
Read more

Glasgow City Heritage Trust

54 Bell Street, Glasgow City Centre G1 1LQ

Glasgow City Heritage Trust is an independent charity supported by Glasgow City Council and Historic Environment Scotland.
Read more

Glasgow Museums

, Various Locations Glasgow

Glasgow Museums offer something for everyone. Whether you want to find out more about an artist, come with your class to see how we used to live, see...
Read more

Glasgow Museums Resource Centre

200 Woodhead Road, Glasgow South Side G53 7NN

Glasgow Museums Resource Centre (GMRC) is a purpose-built store for Glasgow Museums' collections when they're not on display in the venues.
Read more

Glasgow Necropolis

70 Cathedral Square, Glasgow City Centre G4 0UZ

The Glasgow Necropolis is a Victorian cemetery in Glasgow, Scotland. It is on a low but very prominent hill to the east of Glasgow Cathedral. Fifty thousand...
Read more

Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust

Bridgeton Bus Garage 76-136 Fordneuk Street, Glasgow East End G40 3AH

Based in the former Bridgeton Bus Garage, The Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust is now well established as a heritage centre for buses and commercial vehicles!
Read more

Govan Old Church

Govan Old Church Govan Road, Glasgow South Side G51 3BW

Govan Old Church is the oldest place of worship in Glasgow, located in the historic community of Govan – believed to have been the administrative and...
Read more

Holmwood House

61-63 Netherlee Road, Glasgow South Side G44 3YU

Lying just a few miles from the centre of Glasgow, Holmwood House has been described as Alexander 'Greek' Thomson's finest domestic design!
Read more

House for an Art Lover

Bellahouston Park Dumbreck Road, Glasgow South Side G41 5BW

Designed by famous Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, House for an Art Lover is a truly unique venue and one of Glasgow's architectural gems!
Read more

Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery

University Avenue, Glasgow West End G12 0RG

The Hunterian is Scotland’s oldest public museum and home to over a million magnificent items ranging from meteorites to mummies and Mackintosh. Within...
Read more

Inveraray Castle

Inveraray Castle , Inveraray PA32 8XE

Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell and the iconic, must-see visitor attraction on the West Coast...
Read more

Inveraray Jail

Inveraray Jail Church Square, Inveraray PA32 8TX

Inveraray Jail is a living museum and top Scottish visitor attraction where real people portray life in a 19th century prison. Interact with costumed...
Read more

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Argyle Street, Glasgow West End G3 8AG

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of both Glasgow's and Scotland's most popular free attractions boasting an extensive collection of over 8000 objects displayed across 22 themed galleries!
Read more

Mackintosh Queens Cross

Queens Cross Garscube Road, Glasgow West End G20 7EL

Mackintosh Queen's Cross is one of Glasgow's hidden architectural gems. The only church in the world designed by the great Scottish architect, designer and artist, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Read more

Peoples Palace and Winter Gardens

People's Palace and Winter Gardens Glasgow Green, Glasgow City Centre G40 1AT

The People’s Palace, set in historic Glasgow Green, tells the story of the people and city of Glasgow from 1750 to the end of the 20th century.
Read more

Pollok House

2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow South Side G43 1AT

A grand country house near Glasgow city centre, Pollok House is Scotland’s answer to Downton Abbey and gives a real taste of upstairs/downstairs life in the 1930s!
Read more

Provands Lordship

3 Castle Street, Glasgow City Centre G4 0RB

Step back in time and discover Glasgow’s unique history with a visit to the oldest house in the city.The Provand's Lordship, which was built in 1471...
Read more

Riverside Museum

100 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow West End G3 8RS

Visit the Riverside Museum for FREE and experience the wonder of Glasgow's industrial heritage in this striking building designed by internationally renowned architect Zaha Hadid.
Read more

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Murdochs Loan Alloway, Ayr KA7 4PQ

Set in 10 acres of Burns' beloved Alloway countryside, the museum provides a unique encounter with Scotland's favourite son!
Read more

Scotland Street School Museum

225 Scotland Street, Glasgow South Side G5 8QB

Scotland Street School Museum was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and offers a fascinating glimpse into schooldays of the past.
Read more

St Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art

2 Castle Street, Glasgow City Centre G4 0RH

The award-winning St Mungo Museum is a haven of tranquillity in a bustling city. This museum is named after Glasgow's patron saint, who brought the Christian faith to Scotland in the 6th century.
Read more

Tenement House

145 Buccleuch Street, Glasgow West End G3 6QN

The National Trust for Scotland's Tenement House provides a rare glimpse into life in Glasgow in the early 20th century, in this faithfully restored four-room house!
Read more

The Burrell Collection

2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow South Side G43 1AT

Please note: The Burrell Collection is temporarily closed until 2020 for refurbishmentThe Burrell Collection is part of Glasgow Museums and is free to...
Read more

The Glasgow School of Art

The Glasgow School of Art Renfrew Street, Glasgow City Centre G3 6RF

Mackintosh's 'masterwork' The Glasgow School of Art, built 1897-1909, bookends his architectural career. Heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts style...
Read more

The Govan Stones Project

Govan Old Church Govan Road, Glasgow South Side G51 3UU

Discover the unique collection of early medieval stones carved in the 9th-11th centuries to commemorate the power of those who ruled the Kingdom of Strathclyde...
Read more

The Hill House

The Hill House Upper Colquhoun Street, Helensburgh G84 9AJ

High on a hill in Helensburgh, overlooking the River Clyde, sits what is universally regarded as Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s finest domestic creation!
Read more

The Tall Ship at Riverside

150 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow West End G3 8RS

The Tall Ship operates a programme of year-round maritime themed events and activities, with specially devised talks and tours, school visits and costumed volunteer days.
Read more

Trades House of Glasgow

Trades Hall Glassford Street, Glasgow City Centre G1 1UH

The Trades House of Glasgow was established in 1605 and is now a registered Scottish Charity widely viewed as a centre of excellence in the administration...
Read more

Willow Tea Rooms

97 Buchanan Street, Glasgow City Centre G1 3HF

A visit to The Willow Tea Rooms is a must for anyone interested in enjoying tasty traditional food and drinks in an atmospheric setting.Owned by Anne...
Read more