London’s theatre ghosts

London’s Theatre Ghosts are well known to Londoners and regular theatre goers. London is steeped with history and has always been a well known home to spirits (both deceased and drinkable). With spooky season upon us, maybe it’s time for you to get acquianted with them yourself? Why not book a show at one of these haunted venues? See if you can catch a spectre with a show!

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Current Production: Disney’s Hercules

As the oldest theatre in the West End, it’s only natural that this theatre is home to the most of London’s Theatre ghosts. In fact, its is renowned for being the most haunted theatre in London, if not, the world!

London’s Theatre Ghosts in Residence:

• The Man in Grey
• Charles Macklin
• Joseph Garibaldi AKA Joey

The Man in Grey

The Man in Grey is the most famous ghost in residence at the theatre. However noone knows who exactly he is. He appears to be wearing 18th Century attire including a grey dress jacket and cloak with riding boots and a sword. Not to mention his distinctive Tricorne Hat. Visions of him are always the same. He appears during the day at the end of the 4th row of the Upper Circle, walks to the rear gangway and disappears into the wall… Interestingly, skeletal remains were found during a renovation in 1848 in a secret room directly behind the wall he disappears in. The man was stabbed and wearing a Grey Coat. Could this be the body of the most visible Ghost in the venue?

Charles Macklin

The Ghost of the Irish Actor, Charles Macklin is also haunts the walls of this theatre despite living to the ripe old age of 97. However, his spirit seems to be full of remorse. In 1735, Macklin had a despute with a fellow actor over a wig. In the heat of the moment, Mackin struck Thomas Hallam with his cane which pierced Hallams eye and brain. Hallam died as a result of this injury. Macklin is reportedly haunting the spot in which he killed his fellow actor.

Joseph “Joey” Grimaldi

Lastly is the most friendly of London’s Theatre Ghosts Joey. Now, although Joey is the ghost of a clown, which sounds terrifying, he seems adorable! He reportedly appears to actors on stage suffering from stage fright! He helps guide actors to their correct position on stage, remember their lines and calm their nerves! Joseph Grimaldi was his full name. His reputation was as a kind and supporting man in life, which has continued on beyond the grave. He is known as the Grandfather of clowning and British Pantomime, so it’s no wonder he can’t let go of encouraging the next generation of artists!

Adelphi Theatre

Current Production: Back To The Future

William Terris was a succesful actor who was a regular at the theatre. He also had a hand in funding the Actors Benevolent Fund – a fund for out of work actors which still exists today. Terris unfortunatley met his untimely end at the stage door where he was stabbed dead by a rival actor. The actor in question was Richard Prince. Terris had previously helped Prince find work and had even loaned him money when Prince found himself on hard times. The conflict began when both actors were rehearsing for a production. The story goes that Prince offended Terris and consequently, Terris had him fired.

Despite this, Terris allegedly still helped him find work. Unfortunatley, Prince became dependant on alcohol and unemployable. On the day of the murder, Prince was forcibly removed from the neighbouring Vaudeville Theatre. He was also refused money from the aforementioned fund. He then waited at The Adelphi Theatre Stage Door to murder Terriss.

The Ghost of William Terris

Allegedly, Terris’ dying words were “I will come back” which seemed to be the catalyst for many a strange goings on in the theatre. Actors began hearing strange tapping noises coming from Terriss’ old dressing room. Also, unexplained footsteps began to be heard backstage. Other stories recall the appearance of strange glowing lights or orbs are seen floating above the stage area.

Lastly, sightings of him occur at Covent Garden Tube Station! He was a big fan of a bakery that existed their prior to the station being built. Perhaps he’s wandering over for a sweet treat or two?

Dominion Theatre

Current Production: The Devil Wears Prada

Now this is one of London’s Theatre Ghosts that creeps me out the most! Why? I couldn’t tell you, I just find it scarier than the others.

The Dominion Theatre is built of the site of an old Brewery. This wasn’t just any old Brewery. This is the Brewery which is responsible for the London Beer Flood of 1814. Went a pipe exploded, it knocked down a wall and flooded the local area. 8 people died due to the building collapse and drowning. One of the girls killed from this tragic accident was 14 year old barmaid Eleanor Cooper. Eleanor has been spotted many times in the Theatre. She is also allegedly responsible for poltergeist activity in the building and has even appeared in an unspuspecting theatre goers selfies!

Piccadilly Theatre

Current Production: Moulin Rouge

This theatre is allegedly haunted by the Ghost of Evelyn Laye. She only passed away on 1996 making her one of the more modern of London’s Theatre Ghosts. She is the more disruptive of ghosts responsible for more poltergeist-like activity. When a photgraph of the actress was removed from the Theatres office, the activity intensified! From objects being thrown and doors being slammed with no explaination. The solution to calm down this aggressive activity? Returning the photograph of Evelyn back in the pride of place.

Palace Theatre

Current Production: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

The Palace Theatre is the home to two main theatre ghosts. Both of those, until recently, the venue kept two seats reserved for them at each performance. (Bring that back, I say!). The ghost of an unknown ballerina (perhaps Anna Pavlova?) is often seen dancing across the stage between performances. Lastly, famous actor Ivor Novello is frequently reported to watch the shows from the Dress Circle.