The Vaudeville Theatre originally opened in 1870. Designed by C. J. Phipps, the theatre was largely used for the vaudeville style of entertainment that gave the theatre its name, with short-form performances by a variety of entertainers including dancers, singers, comedians and actors. The theatre was demolished and re-built between 1889 and 1891 and reopened to a more varied mix of productions including musicals, plays and revues.
In 1925 the interior was completely reconstructed and the auditorium was changed from a horseshoe shape to its current rectangular shape. Further renovations happened throughout the 20th Century to improve the comfort in the auditorium and the backstage facilities. The theatre was granted Grade II listing in 1972.
In recent years the Vaudeville has seen a broad mix of plays, musicals and comedy on its stage. In 2019 Mischief Theatre, creators of The Play That Goes Wrong, started a residency at the Vaudeville with Groan Ups, followed by Magic Goes Wrong.
