Gaiety Theatre, Shimla

Gaiety Theatre was opened on 30th May 1887, this historic cultural center was designed by the renowned English architect Henry Irwin. The building's exquisite Gothic style of architecture is a true manifestation of Victorian artistry. It was once part of the large Town Hall Complex. It had the capacity of more than 300 people. Initially, it was a five-story building with a theatre, ballroom, armoury, police office, bar and galleries. After nearly two decade from its date of establishment, it was found that the building was structurally unsafe. It was partially demolished, but the Gaiety Theatre remain untouched. With a rich history to its credit, the theatre was the center for entertainment and socialisation, where Viceroy Lord Lytton wrote and staged a play called 'Walpole', and Rudyard Kipling acted in 'a scrap of paper'. Legends like Baden Powell, K.L. Sehgal, Prithvi Raj Kapoor, Balraj Sahni, Pran, Shahi Kapoor, Tom Allter, Manohar Singh, Jennifer Kendall, Anupam Kher, Naseeruddin Shah, Udit Narayan, Sonu Nigam, Mohit Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal and others have also performed here.[3] At one time the popularity of English plays in the theatre earned the nickname, Mecca of Theatre.[4]

The room has superb acoustics, and though it has undergone some minor renovations, the screen used is still the same as the one designed by the architect. With an array of venues, including exhibition hall, art gallery, multi-purpose hall, amphitheatre and old theatre hall, this is the hub of performing arts in the state. The complex witnesses huge influx of visitors year-round due to its cultural prominence. Even today, several drama societies actively use the space, which has also hosted renowned Indian actors and singers. The only Gothic theatre in Asia, and amongst just six in the world, it's definitely worth a visit.This complex has come up as vibrant center of all types of creative and performing arts; as for example - painting, photography, dance, drama, theatrics, elocution, sculpture, and classical and folk music. At the same time Gaiety Complex also provides Shimla schools an oppurtunity to participate in the cultural activities organised here. More than a century-old symbol of art and culture, the Gaiety is primarily known for its social club.[5]

Gaiety Theatre has been a part of various films and songs. Films like Tamasha, and songs like Pachtaoge by Arijit Singh, Main Nikla Gaddi Le Ke from the movie Gadar- Ek Prem Katha, etc.