Spotlight on Music Hall

On display from 6 October 2025 to 5 February 2026

View some of the treasures on the theme of the Music Hall from the collection of The London Archives in a small but striking display! Discover stars of the music hall stage, the architectural development of the music hall theatres and how the people and spaces of Music Hall were licensed, regulated and commented upon in contemporary documents.

London's music halls back in the spotlight at new exhibition. Bawdy sentimental, these venues are hiding in plain sight - but their initial purpose is long gone. A new exhibition tells their story.

Book your free ticket

We encourage everyone to book a free ticket as it helps us to manage visitor numbers. You are welcome to turn up without a ticket to see the display, but please notify us if you are visiting in a group larger than 6 people by emailing ask@tla.libanswers.com

You can visit during our normal opening hours and the display is located within the Information Area on the first floor at The London Archives.

Music Hall

Music Hall was the dominant form of popular entertainment in London and Middlesex from the 1890s to the 1920s, far removed from its humble beginnings in pub back-rooms. Purpose-built venues sprang up along high streets and in every district, offering variety bills of comedy, song, dance, and spectacle to packed houses night after night. Music Hall was truly mass entertainment—accessible, lively, and beloved across class divides, shaping the cultural life of the capital like no other art form of its time.

Images pictured here are not featured in the display but are to show the range of our collections.

London Picture Archive

Search the London Picture Archive for more images relating to London theatres and music halls.

Related event

Want to see more archives up close? Why not join our 'Archives on Show: Music Hall' event on 9 January 2026!