Gaiety Theatre

Former London theatre, 1864–1939, in the Strand, Aldwych. It was originally a music hall, with chorus dancers known as the Gaiety Girls, and later it held musical comedy performances.

The theatre, originally known as the Strand Music Hall, became well known for its burlesque performances under John Hollingshead (1827–1904), manager 1968–86. He was succeeded in 1886 by George Edwardes (1852–1918), who made the theatre a home of musical comedy. It was closed in 1901 and demolished in 1903. The New Gaiety Theatre was opened nearby, designed by English architect C J Phipps (1835–1897), in 1903. The theatre finally closed in 1939 and was demolished in 1956.