Wilton's Music HallWilton's Music Hall

Wilton's Music Hall, tucked down Graces Alley in East London, is the world's oldest surviving grand music hall. Built by John Wilton in 1859 to bring West End glamour and first-rate entertainment to East End audiences, the building was later a Methodist mission and then stood derelict for decades before a long preservation campaign and a restoration completed in 2015 saved it. It has been described as the most important surviving early music hall to be seen anywhere.

Today Wilton's is a thriving arts and heritage venue presenting theatre, music and community events in its atmospheric hall. Its programme also includes occasional film screenings, with silent classics often shown accompanied by a live score—a fitting pairing for the venue's music-hall character.