Legends of The Drury Lane

Legends of The Drury Lane

Artemyev Ilya

Introduction

Drury Lane is one of the most famous theatres in the world. It was built by Thomas Killigru and was opened in London in 1663. This theatre has a very long history and a lot of legends (especially, scary stories of some ghosts). Let`s start!

Mysterious history

In 9 years after its opening, theatre was set to fire. The identity of arsonist remains unknown to this day.

Ghosts

Some actors say that Drury Lane`s ghosts are symbols of successful performance. But those “symbols” have really scary and eerie background story.
There are ghosts: Man in Gray, Charles Maclin and Joseph Grimaldi.

Charles Maclin

Charles was actor and clown. He had very silly argument with his colleague named John. This argument was caused by a wig. Charles accidently killed John. Since that event, Maclin`s ghost wanders through the corridors.

Charles Maclin

Joseph Grimaldi and Dan Leno

Joseph`s background is unknown. Nevertheless, he was clown and died in 1837. Some witnesses say that this ghost often kicks actors.
Another strange phantom is Dan Leno (dancer and clown). One actor said that he saw Dan`s face in the mirror.

Man in Grey.

Man in Grey is the most famous Drury Lane`s phantom. He appears only at the beginning of the most successful performances. His background story is very mysterious: Man in Grey is ghost of unknown guy, whose body was found during theatre`s reconstruction in 1848. This phantom wears grey clothes and sword.

Man in Grey.

Another story

One more story! Michael Crawford, famous actor, was practicing his lines, when he felt, like someone was holding his hand. But there was nobody around!

Conclusion

Drury Lane is very mysterious place. If you are really interested in eerie stories you must visit it!