Britannia Panopticon Music Hall
Britannia Panopticon Music Hall
4.5
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Britannia Panopticon is the worlds oldest surviving music hall. It opened in 1857 above a pub called the Britannia Vaults and it served the working classes who made Glasgow the Industrial Capital of the World. For over 80 years Britannia entertained, and in addition to being a music hall, the building also accommodated early cinema, wax works, carnival amusements, freak show and basement zoo. Famous debut performances include Stan Laurel in 1906 and Jack Buchanan in 1911. Open Tuesday-Saturday noon-5pm (unless a show is programmed) for general viewing. Britannia Panopticon is also open for music hall shows, silent movie and Laurel & Hardy film nights, marts, festivals and other events. Admission is generally free (we charge to get out). Please donate when you visit to help us raise money to conserve this wonderful historic survivor from the heyday of music hall and early cinema. Britannia Panopticon is also available for private hire (conditions apply).
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Address
Neighbourhood: Merchant City
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
114 reviews
Excellent
65
Very good
40
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Simone M
22 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
It was jaw dropping and awesome such a great experience. No eyes stayed dry we will all feel our bellyes tomorrow after all the laughter.
Amazing history
Great presence
Please support
Amazing history
Great presence
Please support
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monique W
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Lovely piece of history hidden in Glasgow The volunteer was happy to show us around and provide information.
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nitshillnomad
Kilmarnock, UK1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
Somehow within the history and legacy of the Britannia Panopticon, The Gold Rush seemed as fresh as the year it was released. Using a live and authentic ‘pit’ band was the icing on the cake. A memorable night!
Written 6 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GM
Glasgow, UK76 contributions
Apr 2023 • Business
Booked the Panopticon for a creative event and the venue provided the perfect setting. Judith and the team were warm & welcoming and everyone who attended was very impressed.
Written 28 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Howard-Liverpool
Liverpool, UK3,136 contributions
Mar 2023
This place is a real hidden gem. A little difficult to find the entrance being in a tiny side street but find it it is worthwhile. Up the stairs of a delapidated building and you are greeted with the the most anazing space. Was greeted warmly and paid the tiny entrance fee. (Needs increasing) We were entertained by a guy giving us a talk about its history which was fascinating. A volunteer lady was about the whole time and she answered any questions and showed us things we probably would have missed - brilliant. It is hard to describe a lace like this but you have to hope it can slowly be preserved as it is such an important part of theatrical history. Loved it and loved the people - Thanks
Written 9 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pandabuddie
United Kingdom945 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Visited for the first time. Interesting place. Never knew it was a working music hall. Have various shows. Will visit again to catch a show.
Written 24 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tartan T
Glasgow, UK159 contributions
Jul 2022
Unique venue with a great history. Worth a visit and you feel you have literally stepped back in time. I think it could make more of itself with the right team and leadership behind it. Loved the glass cabinets full of items that they found under the floorboards etc which must have been dropped by people back in its hey day.
Written 22 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lavita1
Glasgow, UK16 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
My partner and I visited the venue this afternoon around 3pm.
We paid our entrance fee. Thereafter there was no engagement whatsoever from the young gentleman and lady on duty. They seemed more interested in discussing between themselves the potential costume options for a forthcoming event.
Surely it is important that staff actively engage with visitors and make some attempt to put the theatre in context with a degree of enthusiastic, personal input?
I am not convinced the current artistic directorship of the Panopticon does justice to its historical significance or seeks to actively promote its place as a worthy tourist attraction.
Must do better!
We paid our entrance fee. Thereafter there was no engagement whatsoever from the young gentleman and lady on duty. They seemed more interested in discussing between themselves the potential costume options for a forthcoming event.
Surely it is important that staff actively engage with visitors and make some attempt to put the theatre in context with a degree of enthusiastic, personal input?
I am not convinced the current artistic directorship of the Panopticon does justice to its historical significance or seeks to actively promote its place as a worthy tourist attraction.
Must do better!
Written 1 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GlobeExpat
Edinburgh, UK69 contributions
Mar 2022
On a recent tour of Glasgow the guide told us about the Britannia Panopticon and I am glad he did or we wouldn’t have found it. It is a really interesting piece of history and with so many fascinating stories.
We were lucky enough to meet Judith Bowers herself, the historian who discovered the Music Hall. Judith gave us a great overview of the fascinating history of the venue. She has so many stories about all of the events and famous people that performed there over the years.
If you are interested in historical buildings, I highly recommend when in Glasgow you take a step back in time and visit the Britannia Panopticon Musical Hall.
We were lucky enough to meet Judith Bowers herself, the historian who discovered the Music Hall. Judith gave us a great overview of the fascinating history of the venue. She has so many stories about all of the events and famous people that performed there over the years.
If you are interested in historical buildings, I highly recommend when in Glasgow you take a step back in time and visit the Britannia Panopticon Musical Hall.
Written 28 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
terrysingh
Tonbridge, UK75 contributions
Jan 2022
Imposing frontage but the Hall is up a side alley and not that large. Interesting displays and really Glasgow Council should step in and improve it - instead of spending money on daft street posters telling me I'm in Maryhill.
But avoid 'comedy' nights, I've had more laughs at the dentist.
But avoid 'comedy' nights, I've had more laughs at the dentist.
Written 31 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eljaRome
rome1 contribution
can you visit the theatre any day
Florrie-Bow-Wow
Glasgow, UK5 contributions
Hi there, apologies for the delay in answering, I have been out of office since last week! We are open from Tuesday - Saturday 12 - 5 as of the 18th of April
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Frequently Asked Questions about Britannia Panopticon Music Hall
- Hotels near Britannia Panopticon Music Hall:
- (0.12 km) Fraser Suites Glasgow
- (0.14 km) Glasgow Merchant City
- (0.13 km) Glasgow City Centre Apartment
- (0.13 km) Glasgow Apartment
- (0.14 km) Glasgow
- Restaurants near Britannia Panopticon Music Hall:
- (0.11 km) Green Gates Indian Restaurant Merchantcity
- (0.16 km) Madha
- (0.16 km) The Wilson Street Pantry
- (0.08 km) Charcoals cafe
- (0.17 km) Charcoals