Gaiety Theatre, Shimla

Gaiety Theatre or Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is a significant tourist hot spot of Shimla. It is located on The Ridge, Shimla. It is the hub of cultural events of the state. It also very popular among Bollywood as many music videos and movies are often filmed here, including one for the 2019 song "Pachtaoge" by Arijit Singh.[1][2]

Gaiety Theatre
Front view of Gaiety Theatre
General information
Architectural styleGothic
LocationThe Ridge
Town or cityShimla
CountryIndia
Opened30th May 1887
Design and construction
ArchitectHenry Irwin

History

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 a 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 decades from its date of establishment, it was found that the building was structurally unsafe. It was partially demolished, but the Gaiety Theatre remains 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]

Current time

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 an exhibition hall, an art gallery, a multi-purpose hall, an amphitheatre, and an old theatre hall, this is the hub of performing arts in the state. The complex witnesses a huge volume 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. It's the only Gothic theatre in Asia, and amongst six remaining in the world. This complex has come up as a vibrant center of all types of creative and performing arts; 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 opportunity 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]

This gallery is attached to Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi. It holds an exhibition of Nationally and Internationally renowned artists, highlighting modern and traditional art.

Exhibition Hall

This is another exhibition hall, having display boards to exhibit paintings, sculptures, crafts, and photographs of the people belonging to India.

Multi-Purpose Hall

The multi-purpose hall has a seating arrangement of 450 people, with all the modern facilities for indoor cultural activities.

Amphitheatre

The amphitheatre is an open-air theatre for enacting street plays small interaction and open-air cultural programs with seating for 100 people.

Gaiety Theatre has been used as a setting for various films and music videos, including Tamasha and the video for "Pachtaoge" by Arijit Singh. Main Nikla Gaddi Le Ke from the movie Gadar- Ek Prem Katha was filmed here.

References
  1. Khanna, Rajeev. "Shimla Film Festival Gives a Call to Dream in Diversity". The Citizen. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  2. "Pachtaoge first look: Vicky Kaushal, Nora Fatehi crank up the passion in latest Arijit Singh song". hindustantimes.com. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  3. Khanna, Shailaja (13 October 2017). "Resounding music in the hills". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  4. Brara, Sarita (13 July 2013). "Playhouse legacy". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  5. IANS (11 July 2014). "Shimla's iconic Town Hall to get a facelift". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 8 June 2020.

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