Wed 15 Jul
|East Horsley Village Hall
Punch, Pygmalion and Puccini: Entertainment in Covent Garden
In this lecture the Simon Whitehouse traces the story of Covent Garden as the entertainment centre of London. He examines the origins of two legendary theatres that gave birth to modern West End theatre and introduces us to the performers who shaped the buildings and starred at the theatre.
Time & location
15 Jul 2026, 10:30
East Horsley Village Hall, Kingston Ave, East Horsley, Leatherhead KT24 6QT
About the event
About the event
In this lecture the Simon Whitehouse traces the story of Covent Garden as the entertainment centre of London. He examines the origins of two legendary theatres that gave birth to modern West End theatre and introduces us to the performers who shaped the buildings and
starred at the theatres: David Garrick, Richard Brinsley Sheridan and Augustus Harris.
We travel the centuries to encounter the trailblazing women who took Covent Garden by storm including Nell Gwynne, Mrs Siddons and Adelina Patti. We also look at how street entertainment has played a vital part in keeping Covent Garden alive & how despite frequent fires, riots and financial ruin, time and again, the show MUST go on.
About the Lecturer
Simon Whitehouse is a (recovering) actor, lecturer, presenter, Alexander Technique and voice teacher and award winning London Blue Badge guide. He has worked as a guide lecturer in house at Shakespeare’s Globe, the Royal Opera House, the BBC and the National Gallery guiding both public and private tours. He is on the faculty of Ithaca College and also lectures for the Blue Badge Guide training course on the performing arts and English literature. Simon’s specialisms and passions are theatre, literature, fashion and art history but whatever the subject, Simon will weave a wonderful story from it.
This event is free to members.
Visitors are welcome to join us - £7 on the door.