World’s Oldest Surviving Grand Music Hall

In the heart of East London, hidden in a corner, a faded red door hides the world’s oldest surviving music hall.Wilton’s Music Hall, opened in 1743 (or earlier) as an alehouse. Today Wilton’s comprises a Victorian grand music hall, an 18th–century terrace of houses and a pub.This stunning and atmospheric building is led by Frances Mayhew and produces an exciting programme of imaginative, diverse and distinct entertainment including theatre, music, comedy, cinema and cabaret.It began as an alehouse entertaining Scandinavian sea captains and wealthy merchants. Until the 1950s it also moonlighted as a Methodist Church but there’s nothing clerical about an evening at Wilton’s these days.The faded glamour, peeling paint and long–extinguished gas lamps however are here to stay, making your entrance into Wilton’s a seriously surreal time warp back into the 19th century.There are many interesting events at Wilton’s Music Hall like swing dances, big band nights contemporary classical music concerts. If you are not interested in these events and just want to have a look at this unique building there are regular history tours, which take place most Mondays from 6pm–7pm and occasional Saturdays and cost just £6.

Wilton’s Music Hall is a real hidden gem and a step back in time to the Victorian city.

source: messynessychic