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
	Follow britpanopticon on Twitter
	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 and 'Follow' on our @WhatsOnGlasgow Twitter or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

Shopping

Second Hand Rose Vintage & Craft Fair

19th April 2025

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow City Centre

Love a good rummage? Adore a Jumble sale? Can't resist a car boot? Can't walk past a charity shop? Then join the Britannia Panopticon for their Second Hand Rose Vintage & Craft Fair!

Theatres

The Tower Digital Arts Centre

79-81 Sinclair Street, Helensburgh G84 8TG

The Tower is a not for profit Indy Cinema and Community Arts hub based in the town of Helensburgh!

Theatres

Gilmorehill Theatre

9-11 University Avenue, Glasgow West End G12 8QQ

Gilmorehill Theatre G12 is run by Glasgow University and housed in a modern church conversion. In addition to the theatre the building also contains a...

Theatres

Centre for Contemporary Arts Glasgow

350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow City Centre G2 3JD

The CCA is a unique contemporary arts organisation at the heart of Glasgow's city centre and vibrant cultural community.

Theatres

Cottiers

93-95 Hyndland Street, Glasgow West End G11 5PU

Cottiers is a historic building located in the heart of Glasgow's West end that boasts a recently renovated theatre, restaurant and bar.

Theatres

Glee Club Glasgow

11 Renfrew Street, Glasgow City Centre G2 3AB

Comedy in Glasgow has a rich history, and Glee Club are proud to bring our newest venue to such a vibrant city!

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

The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow City Centre G2 3NY

The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall is one of Scotland's most prestigious venues and world renowned classical, jazz, pop, rock and folk artists take to its stages for nearly 250 performances each year!

Theatres

Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Glasgow West End G12 0QF

Based in the West End of Glasgow, the Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre comprises a theatre (80 seats), museum and education unit.

Theatres

The Old Fruitmarket

The Old Fruitmarket Candleriggs, Glasgow City Centre G1 1NQ

Prepare to be caught under the spell of Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow's Centre for Music, as soon as you walk through its doors!

Theatres

Tramway

25 Albert Drive, Glasgow South Side G41 2PE

Tramway is an international art-space that commissions, produces and presents contemporary arts projects.

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

Websters Theatre

416 Great Western Road, Glasgow West End G4 9HZ

Websters Glasgow is a performing arts theatre, bar and restaurant situated in Glasgow's West End occupying the building of the 19th century former Lansdowne Parish Church.

All Theatres listings in Glasgow