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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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The Laurel Awards

Selected dates between 30th May 2025 - 11th July 2025

The Laurel Awards are a new competition for comedians to showcase their best 5 minutes with a grand finale being held at The Britannia Panopticon on Friday 11th July!

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Sponsored Links

Glasgow City Council
Renfrewshire Council
The Quay
East Renfrewshire Culture
City Of Glasgow Chorus
Glasgow Music City Tours
Hilton Glasgow
Fayre Play
Open Pass Scotland
Renfrewshire Council
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
Paisley First
City Sightseeing Glasgow
Media Shop

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