Alexandra Palace - dubbed the People's Palace, or "Ally Pally" – opened in May 1873. But just 16 days later the original building was destroyed by fire
A re-designed second Alexandra Palace opened two years later in 1875, this time with the inclusion of its Victorian Theatre
In the mid 1920s, the theatre was let to impresario Archie Pitt who brought previews of elaborate Gracie Fields productions to the stage
The Victorian Theatre was designed to seat 2,500 people but for more than 65 years its doors have been closed to the public
A £24m Heritage Lottery Fund programme will see the Victorian theatre, East Court and BBC studios regenerated and opened to the public by 2017
More than 73 years ago, on 2nd November 1936, the world’s first regular high definition public television service was transmitted from the palace
Initially, the BBC only broadcast two hours of television a day. Its first programme featured Helen McKay performing Here’s Looking At You
At the end of the war in 1945, the BBC was allowed to reinstate its television service. Morning Departure by Kenneth Woollard was broadcast from Alexandra Palace from 1946
While regeneration takes place, other parts of Alexandra Palace remain open. The Grand Willis Organ has been the feature of the Great Hall since 1875 and will feature in a performance by Madness on Saturday - the latest in a long line of concerts at the venue
- Published2 November 2011
- Published2 November 2011
- Published1 November 2011
