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Did you know? In 1968 Shaftesbury Theatre debuted Hair and helped to support the Save London Theatre campaign

Monday, March 11, 2024 - 16:15

Although the Shaftesbury Theatre is currently enjoying a successful run of the family-friendly musical Mrs. Doubtfire, things were not always this easy. In 1968, when Hair made its debut at the Shaftesbury, audiences were shocked by its radical bohemian themes and liberation for all. 

The Shaftesbury Theatre itself faced a dire predicament when it was forced to close due to part of its ceiling collapsing, sparking suspicions of foul play. This incident galvanized efforts to preserve London's theatrical heritage, with the Shaftesbury becoming a focal point for the campaign to save the city's theatres from demolition. The closure of the Shaftesbury intensified the urgency of the situation, prompting impassioned protests from leading actors, industry figures, and unions.

In a show of solidarity, the cast of Hair took to the streets to perform their 2000th show outside the theatre, underscoring the cultural significance of the venue and the broader cause. These protests culminated in the formation of the Save London Theatre campaign, which tirelessly advocated for the preservation of theatre buildings in the city for nearly half a century.

image credit: photo by Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/ Mirrorpix via Getty Images

The impact of these protests reverberated beyond the streets of London. In 1976, the Theatres Trust Act was passed, granting the Theatres Trust the authority to safeguard all theatre buildings across the United Kingdom. This legislative victory marked a turning point in the ongoing battle to protect the nation's theatrical heritage, ensuring that future generations would continue to enjoy the magic of live performance in historic venues like the Shaftesbury Theatre.

Mrs. Doubtfire is now dazzling and delighting audiences at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre and Unique Venues of London is delighted to welcome the theatre this month as a new member venue.