The Great Apollo Caper: How Many Theatres Can One City Handle?
Ah, London! City of Big Ben, fish and chips, and an abundance of...Apollos? That's right, folks, there's a bit of a mystery surrounding the number of Apollo Theatres gracing the fine streets of this fair isle. Buckle up, theatre nerds and trivia enthusiasts, because we're about to dive down the rabbit hole of Londinium's Apollos!
The One and Only (Maybe):
There's the grand dame, the legendary Apollo Theatre in the West End. This historic beauty, designed by the delightfully named Lewin Sharp (seriously, that's a name for a character!), has been dazzling audiences since 1901. It's currently home to the smash-hit musical "Everybody's Talking About Jamie," and let me tell you, everyone is talking about it – but more on that later.
Victoria's Secret Apollo (Not That Kind of Secret):
Hold your horses, Apollo aficionados! There's a sneaky second contender: the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Tucked away (well, not exactly) in Victoria, this theatre boasts a rich history of its own. However, some argue it's a theatrical chameleon, having sported various names throughout the years, including the even more intriguing "Glücksaal London." Glücksaal? Sounds like a villain's lair in a Disney movie!
The Great Apollo Illusion:
So, are we looking at two Apollos or one very good imposter? The jury's out, my friends. Some theatre purists insist the Victoria is a rogue Apollo, an impostor who shouldn't be sullying the name. Others embrace both theatres, revelling in the double dose of Apollo action.
The Verdict (Kind Of):
Here's the truth, folks: it depends on who you ask. Officially, there's the one and only Apollo Theatre in the West End. But the existence of the Apollo Victoria (Glücksaal forever!) adds a touch of theatrical intrigue.
But Wait, There's More! (Because London)
Now, before you get too comfortable, there's a whole world of "almost-Apollos" out there. Oxford once had a New Theatre that moonlighted as an Apollo for a while. And let's not forget the O2 Apollo Manchester, which, though not technically in London, throws another wrench into the Apollo-counting machine.
So, How Many Apollos After All?
Honestly? It's a mystery shrouded in fog (very fitting for London, wouldn't you say?). The important thing is, London has a plethora of fantastic theatres, some with the name Apollo, some not. So get out there, grab some overpriced interval ice cream (it's a tradition!), and enjoy the magic of live theatre!
Bonus: How-To Apollo Like a Pro
How to Find the "Real" Apollo Theatre: Head to Shaftesbury Avenue, the heart of London's West End.
How to Decide Between the Apollos: Flip a coin? Embrace them both? The choice is yours, theatre adventurer!
How to Get Tickets: Check out the official websites of each theatre – they're much more reliable than some shady bloke down an alley promising "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" tickets (although that does sound intriguing...).
How to Dress for the Apollo: London theatres are a bit more relaxed these days, but smart casual is always a safe bet. Unless you're going for full Glücksaal villain cosplay, then by all means, go for it!
How to Avoid Overpriced Ice Cream: Maybe pack a sneaky Snickers in your bag? Just a suggestion...
