Brief History of The Society of London Theatre

Celebrate The Centenary

The Society of London Theatre was formed in 1908 (then known as the Society of West End Theatre).

Since then the trade body for the London theatre industry has seen many changes and improvements. This concise timeline charts the major benchmarks in the Society’s history, putting it in the context of a little social and theatrical history.

  • 1908
    The creation of the industry body West End Theatre Managers.
  • 1914-1918
    First World War
  • 1920
    The Society of West End Theatre Managers and the Theatrical Managers Association agree to share offices.
  • 1922
    The very first London Theatre Guide is published.
  • 1926
    Britain’s first ever General Strike.
  • 1929
    The Actors’ Association reforms as ‘British Actors’ Equity’
  • 1939-1945
    Second World War
  • 1946
    The Arts Council is formed.
  • 1952
    The Mousetrap opens. It is now the longest running play in history.
  • 1963
    Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre opens at the Young Vic.
  • 1968
    Theatre Censorship is abolished after nearly 400 years.
  • 1976
    The Society of West End Theatre Awards (now The Laurence Olivier Awards) is founded.
  • 1976
    Foundation of the Theatre Investment Fund (now Stage One).
  • 1980
    Opening of the Half Price Ticket Booth (now tkts ticket booth) in Leicester Square.
  • 1981
    The first report looking at Audiences for London’s Theatres is published.
  • 1984
    The first Theatre Tokens are printed.
  • 1986
    The first Box Office Data Report is published.
  • 1987
    Launch of The Laurence Olivier Bursary.
    Rupert Rhymes becomes the first joint Chief Executive of both SWET and TMA.
  • 1990
    Start of reduced-price parking schemes for West End theatregoers.
  • 1994
    The Society Of West End Theatre officially changes its name to The Society Of London Theatre.
  • 1995
    The first Theatre List is published.
  • 1997
    The Official London Theatre Guide website is launched.
    The first Kids Week takes place.
  • 1998
    The Wyndham Report is published looking at the economic impact of London’s West End Theatres.
  • 1999
    The Queen visits London’s Theatreland on 4 March.
  • 2001
    Get Into London Theatre is launched.
  • 2003
    The Theatres Trust publishes Act Now!
  • 2006
    The Alternate, this website’s blog is launched.
  • 2008
    The Society celebrates 100 years of London’s Theatreland and announces record-breaking box office figures for 2007.

Further images from the V&A Theatre Collections, celebrating the UK's unique performing arts heritage, are available online at www.vam.ac.uk/theatre

Buy Theatre Tickets