Promotional postcard showing the Alhambra Theatre, London. Built as Panoptican of Science and Art, which opened on 18th March 1854. Designed in a Moorish style by architects Finden & Lewis as an exhibition hall, it had a capacity for 5,000. In 1869, major alterations were carried out adding a stage so it could be used as a music hall, known as the Royal Alhambra Palace. The capacity was given as 3,500, including standing space. The building was destroyed by a fire on 7th December 1882. Retaining the original facade, a new building was erected to the plans of architects John Perry and Frederick Reed, which opened on 3rd December 1883 as the Alhambra Theatre Royal. Again built and decorated in a Moorish style, it became a popular music hall from 18th October 1884. Redecorated to the plans of architect E. Clark in April 1888, it was renamed Alhambra Theatre in 1890. In September 1892 E. Clark & Pollard were employed to extend the circle by the removal of some side boxes, giving a total seating of 1,438. There were 588 seats in the orchestra stalls, 166 in the grand circle, 226 in the balcony, 160 in the amphitheatre and 298 in the gallery. There was standing room for 838. In 1897, a new extension and ?Grand Entrance? at the rear of the theatre backing onto Charing Cross Road was added, to the plans of architect W.M. Brutton.