Alexandra Palace Theatre opening night: Tickets, what’s on, capacity and all you need to know

On December 1, Alexandra Palace Theatre will reopen its doors to the public for the first time in more than 80 years.

The Victorian-era theatre, which first opened in 1875, has been largely closed to the public for decades, instead providing use as a prop store and refugee centre.

While the original hotspot for drama, opera and dance entertained audiences of up to 3,000 each night, the newly renovated space will accommodate up to 1,300 people standing and sitting — although 800-900 is more likely for everyday events.

Much of the original decor has been kept from the Victorian theatre but the multi-million-pound refurbishment has ensured the space is fit for modern audiences.

The 1,000sq m theatre will be open at selected times on Saturday December 1 and Sunday December 2 for the public to gain a sneak peek, prior to the start of its first season of shows on Monday December 3.

An opening party will kick off on December 1 from 10am offering a Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas market, a hilltop funfair, ice skating, live music, street food and free workshops and performances from the BBC Concert Orchestra and Haringey Music Service.

To celebrate the first night of the theatre, Ally Pally will welcome a major music act to christen the new stage — but organisers are remaining tight-lipped on precise details.

For its first few weeks, Alexandra Palace Theatre promises an electric lineup of events.

Most of the evenings for the opening week have sold out but there’s plenty of other vibrant nights on offer. Choirmaster Gareth Malone will partner with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra to host an evening of festive cheer on December 9. While on December 18, Alfie Boe will take to the stage to celebrate the 65th anniversary BBC Radio 2’s longest-running orchestral music show.

Luna Cinema will also be bringing Christmas classics to the indoor theatre in the run up to the big day, with Elf and Love Actually on December 10.

In March 2019, John Haidar will direct Tom Mothersdale, who recently starred in The Woods at the Royal Court and John at the National Theatre, in an imaginative new staging of Shakespeare’s Richard III.

The play will be a co-production between Headlong, Alexandra Palace and Bristol Old Vic with Royal and Derngate, Northampton and Oxford Playhouse.

Tickets for events and shows can be bought via Ally Pally’s official website.

Most evening events start between 7-8pm and the programme of shows can be found here.