‘Spirit of Health, or Goblin Damn'd’: Famous Haunted Theatres

30.10.24

Theatre! From the Greek theatron: “a place of seeing.”

Buildings designed to summon the lives of people who never were, where thousands flock to engage in the collective fantasy that life and death can be reversed. The ghost story was a staple of the stage long before the horror genre dominated the spiritual realm — Hamlet, Macbeth and A Christmas Carol all feature visitations from the world beyond.

For this year’s Halloween, we’ve delved into some of our favourite stories, from some of the most haunted theatres in the world. Looking for Gothic inspo for the next 2:22? You’re in the right place!

The Mischievous Clown at Theatre Royal Drury Lane - Annabelle Mastin-Lee (Junior PR Account Manager at Mobius Industries)

It’s tough to choose from the many spirits that reportedly haunt the world’s oldest working theatre. Fittingly, Theatre Royal Drury Lane is also supposedly the most haunted. Out of the many ghosts in the theatre, the one that strikes me the most is the ghost of Joseph Grimaldi. Widely regarded as the father of modern clowning, Grimaldi (1778–1837) transformed the role of the clown from a minor comedic character into a central figure in pantomime, notably at this venue and Sadler's Wells. His signature character, "Joey," became so iconic that his name is still used as slang for clowns today. According to audience members, actors and stagehands alike, Grimaldi continues to honour his clowning legacy as a playful and mischievous spectre who is known for giving actors helpful pushes or "kicks" on stage to improve their execution. I like to think that this paranormal performance reflects the passion he had for his craft during his illustrious reign of the London stages. Next time you visit Drury Lane, be sure to keep an eye out for a phantom boot.

‘Breezy Bill’ at the Adelphi Theatre - George Rennie (Distribution Manager at Mobius Industries)

Currently home to Bob Gale and Robert ZemeckisBack to the Future, the Adelphi Theatre on the Strand has a rich history of ghostly sightings, including one drawn from one of London’s most infamous murder cases in 1897. Much like the melodramas that the theatre was so famous for in the 19th Century, it’s a tale filled with such heightened dramatic turns it’s hard to believe it didn’t come from a play itself.

Initially opening in 1806, the playhouse was a regular stage for the much-adored star, William ‘Breezy Bill’ Terris, who often played alongside his leading lady, Jessie Milward, with whom he was having an open affair and who reportedly had nightmares about finding him bleeding from the chest, crying out ‘Sis, sis!’

Crowds would flock to see him in such famous (yet now widely forgotten) productions of Harbour Lights and The Union Jack, yet while his star shone, that of another actor languished in the shadows. As unknown as Terris was celebrated, the supposedly unhinged actor Richard Archer Prince had his sights set on the stage, but couldn’t land a job, and eventually turned to begging to resolve his financial struggles. He became convinced that actors like Terris were conspiring against him to keep his career from progressing.

One night, as Terris was walking up to the stage door, Prince appeared with a knife, driving it into his back, then his chest, before being pulled away — but it was too late. The wound was fatal, and Terris died, calling out the final words Milward had foreseen.

He has since been known to haunt the Adelphi, waiting for his audience, hoping to finally go on and tread the boards once more. As for Prince… His fate is lesser known, but no less sinister for it. His name certainly has gone down in history, but for all the wrong reasons. He never found the applause he so desperately craved.

Le Petit Theatre in New OrleansLorn Elvin (Senior PR Account Executive at Mobius Industries)

New Orleans of course is renowned for its ghosts and haunted buildings, but my favourite has to be Le Petit Theatre because of its rich history filled with behind the scenes drama and unexpected plot twists on and off stage.

The building has roots in the early history of New Orleans, with the building predating the city's founding. Before it became a theatre, the structure served various roles, it was once the residence of Louisiana’s last Spanish governor and later housed Union soldiers during the Civil War. It is said to be one of the most haunted theatres in the world, with many actors, playwrights and musicians still having a lingering presence throughout.

An actress from the 1930s, named Caroline, met a gruesome fate when she accidentally fell to her death in the courtyard while in a wedding gown for a play she was due to perform in. She is now said to float along the catwalk and walk backstage accompanied by a cold breeze, and helps actors locate missing items.

Many Union soldiers who once occupied the city during the Civil War haven’t left the building, with witnesses often seeing their ghosts marching in full uniform and discussing military tactics. The gentle sounds of a piano also echo through the halls, thought to be made by Louis Moreau Gottschalk, a famous musician who regularly played in the theatre when it was a dance hall in the 19th century.

The prophetic ghost of a dapperly dressed man dubbed “Captain" is frequently announced by the strong aroma of pipe tobacco and cologne. It is said that if he applauds after the premiere of a show, the show will go on to be a great success. He watches plays from his balcony seat, hoping for a glimpse of an actress he was once sweet on. Sadly, his true love has yet to appear before him.

Ghosts of the Old Red LionJack Robertson (Artistic Director of The Old Red Lion Theatre)

There has been a public house known by the name ‘Old Red Lion’ on this site in Islington since 1415. Whilst the modern building goes back 1899 and the upstairs theatre opened just 45 years ago, there are still plenty of spirits to be found inside – and we’re not just talking about the gin selection! The current landlord has witnessed plenty of strange events in his time at this beloved theatre pub.

One late night following last orders, he and a couple of regulars were saying their farewells when one of the stools flew across the room from a standing position. Luckily nobody was hurt but that’s one way to get the stragglers out the door!
Back in the early days of the Olde Redde Lyon, most taverns were the only buildings in the area with cellars. These were of course required for storing beer barrels, but these cold stores could also be appropriated as temporary morgues. If a person had died nearby in suspicious circumstances their bodies could be stored here until a judge or local official could be found to determine the cause of death.

Following a duel to the death between two gentlemen brandishing swords, the loser was dragged to the pub cellar to await inspection. Years later, when a section of the cellar was being used to house props and furniture for the actors company, there were a pair of fencing swords that had a habit of moving around the cellar, turning up in different spots every time the landlord went down there. He of course put this down to his bar staff mucking around with the prop swords but they swore blind they hadn’t touched them. The landlord went so far as to lock the swords away in a cabinet but they still found their way out and were often left on the floor. Other members of staff have even claimed to hear the clang of steel on steel whilst changing a barrel…

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