Gaiety Theatre, Shimla

Gaiety Theatre or Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is historic theatre and tourist destination in Shimla. It is located on Mall Road. It is the hub of cultural events of the state. It also very popular among Bollywood as many music videos and movies are often filmed here, including the 2019 song " Pachtaoge" by Arijit Singh and 2022 song "O Aasmanwale" by Jubin Nautiyal.

History

Gaiety Theatre was opened on 30 May 1887, to a design by the English architect Henry Irwin. It is an example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture, derived from British Victorian examples. It was once part of the large Town Hall Complex. It had a capacity of more than 300 people. Initially, it was a five-story building with a theatre, ballroom, armoury, police office, bar, and galleries. After nearly two decades from its date of establishment, it was found that the building was structurally unsafe. It was partially demolished, but the Gaiety Theatre remains untouched. With a rich history to its credit, the theatre was the center for entertainment and socialisation, where Viceroy Lord Lytton wrote and staged a play called ''Walpole'', and Rudyard Kipling acted in 'a scrap of paper'. Legends like Baden Powell, K.L. Sehgal, Prithvi Raj Kapoor, Balraj Sahni, Pran, Tom Alter, Manohar Singh, Jennifer Kendall, Anupam Kher, Naseeruddin Shah, Shahid Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana, Udit Narayan, Sonu Nigam, Mohit Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal and others have also performed here. At one time the popularity of English plays in the theatre earned the nickname, Mecca of Theatre.

Current time

The room has superb acoustics, and though it has undergone some minor renovations, the screen used is still the same as the one designed by the architect. With an array of venues, including an exhibition hall, an art gallery, a multi-purpose hall, an amphitheatre, and an old theatre hall, this is the hub of performing arts in the state. The complex witnesses a huge volume of visitors year-round due to its cultural prominence. Even today, several drama societies actively use the space, which has also hosted renowned Indian actors and singers. The complex supports painting, photography, dance, drama, theatrics, elocution, sculpture, and classical and folk music. At the same time Gaiety Complex also provides Shimla schools an opportunity to participate in the cultural activities organised here. More than a century-old symbol of art and culture, the Gaiety is primarily known for its social club.

Art Gallery

This gallery is attached to Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi. It holds an exhibition of Nationally and Internationally renowned artists, highlighting modern and traditional art.

Exhibition Hall

This is another exhibition hall, having display boards to exhibit paintings, sculptures, crafts, and photographs of the people belonging to India.

Multi-Purpose Hall

The multi-purpose hall has a seating arrangement of 450 people, with all the modern facilities for indoor cultural activities.

Amphitheatre

The amphitheatre is an open-air theatre for enacting street plays small interaction and open-air cultural programs with seating for 100 people.

In popular culture

Gaiety Theatre has been used as a setting location for various films and music videos, such as many scenes of the movie ''Tamasha'' movie, the music video for "'' Pachtaoge''" song by Arijit Singh, the song "''Main Nikla Gaddi Le Ke''" from the movie '' Gadar- Ek Prem Katha'' and the 2022 song "''O Aasmanwale''" by Jubin Nautiyal were filmed here.

References

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Gothic Revival architecture in India
Theatres in India
British-era buildings in Himachal Pradesh
Buildings and structures in Shimla
Theatres completed in 1887
1887 establishments in British India
British colonial architecture in India