The story
John Wilton opened his music hall in 1859 behind a row of houses. It was a popular venue for music hall entertainment until the late nineteenth century, when it became a Methodist mission.
The building was later threatened with demolition, but campaigners saved it, and it was restored, keeping its atmospheric, worn interiors. It reopened fully after restoration in 2015.
What to look for
- The auditorium, with its barley-twist columns.
- The Mahogany Bar.
- Performances.
Why it's worth seeking out
Music halls were once the most popular form of entertainment in Victorian London, with comic songs, acrobats and variety acts. Almost all of them have disappeared, but Wilton's survives with its original layout: a long hall with a balcony supported on barley-twist columns. The decision to conserve rather than smooth over the building's worn plaster and peeling paint gives it an atmosphere that no modern theatre can copy. Seeing a show here, or simply having a drink in the Mahogany Bar, is a step back into Victorian East End nightlife.
Combine it with
The Tower of London, St Katharine Docks and Wapping are nearby.
Visiting tips
Check the programme for shows. The bar is open to the public on many evenings.
Getting there
Tower Hill and Shadwell stations are a short walk. With Mason & Green, we can drop you on Graces Alley.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilton's the oldest music hall in the world?
It is the oldest surviving grand music hall in the world.
Can you visit without a ticket?
The bar is often open to the public.
When did it open?
In 1859.