100 years of London Palladium

Some of the biggest names in showbusiness celebrated the centenary of the “greatest variety theatre in the world” today.

Stars including Ken Dodd, Jason Donovan, Lesley Garrett and Des O’Connor gathered at the London Palladium where Bruce Forsyth un­veiled a plaque marking the occasion.

Mr Forsyth, who first played the theatre 52 years ago and hosted the television show Sunday Night at the London Palladium for many years: said: “This place just means everything to me.

“Anybody that was anybody played the Palladium. It had a worldwide name and if you played the London Palladium you had made it.

“You can tell a lot about a theatre by its atmosphere even when it is empty. Some places never have any atmosphere when they are full but this place is special.”

The Strictly Come Dancing host, who recalled sharing the stage with Nat King Cole in 1961, cut a birthday cake in the shape of the venue.

He was joined by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who owns the theatre, and Danielle Hope who will play Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the venue next year.

Lord Lloyd Webber said: “Today’s celebration is about recognising the rich history of this wonderful theatre and the fantastic performers who have graced its stage. It is also about the beginning of the biggest programme of refurbishment and change in the Palladium’s history and I’m delighted to announce the restoration of the iconic revolving stage and plans for the complete refurbishment of the Front of House areas.”

Among the names that have topped the bill at the theatre are Harry Houdini, The Beatles and Frank Sinatra.

Comic Ken Dodd said he had many happy memories of playing the West End theatre.

He said: “It is probably the greatest variety theatre in the world. Every performer wants to play the Palladium.”

But the funnyman admitted running into trouble when his famously long routines over-ran.

He said: “If you were one minute over you would be told off by the manager. If you were two minutes over you got a stern letter the next day.”