About the Theatre and Performance collections
An overview of the Theatre and Performance collections indicating the very broad range of materials collected acros…
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Researching theatre and performance
Recommended resources about the performing arts within the V&A's Theatre and Performance Collections and elsewhere,…
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West End theatre between the Wars
During the 1920s and 1930s West End theatres were, for the most part, impoverished by the Depression and remained conservative both in the content of their work and the staging. Innovation and experimentation was restricted to the smaller club theatres and new repertory theatres.
Transformation and Revelation: Gormley to Gaga. UK design for performance 2007–2011
17 March 2012 – 30 September 2012. Exploring the theme of transformation, this display will reveal contemporary designs for performance by over 30 British Theatre Designers.
19th-century theatre
The 19th century was the age of a truly popular theatre. New theatres opened to satisfy a demand for entertainment from the workers who flooded into the major cities as the Industrial Revolution took hold. Pantomime, ballad opera, melodrama, circus, equestrian drama, aquatic drama and burlesque were all popular forms of entertainment.
Touring theatre & performance exhibitions
The V& A Theatre Collections offers a range of exhibitions for external venues, all of which are either currently touring or available to do so. Each aims to be interactive and accessible and in some cases, can be made available to non-traditional venues.
What a Performance! The final curtain for the Theatre Museum
On the anniversary of Shakespeare's birthday, 23 April 1987, the Theatre Museum opened in London's Covent Garden and ran until 6 January 2007
Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950
From 19 May 2012 the V&A celebrates the opening of the newly renovated Fashion Galleries with an exhibition of beautiful ballgowns, red carpet evening dresses and catwalk showstoppers.
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Event - Theatre & Performance Galleries Tour
Fri 19 February 2010–Mon 31 December 2012
TOUR: Take a guided tour of the V&A's exciting theatre and performance collections, including rock & pop posters, theatre and ballet costumes, puppets, stage sets and more! See new costumes from the Lion King now on display.
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