The Olympic Theatre, sometimes known as the Royal Olympic Theatre, was a 19th-century London theatre, opened in 1806 and located at the junction of Drury Lane, Wych Street and Newcastle Street. The theatre specialised in comedies throughout much of its existence. Along with three other Victorian theatres, the Olympic was eventually demolished in 1904 to make way for the development of the Aldwych. Newcastle and Wych streets also vanished.
1831 engraving of the Royal Olympic Theatre
1820 architect's plans of the Olympic Theatre
Vestris as Pandora in Olympic Revels, 1831
A photo of Tom Taylor by Lewis Carroll
Lucia Elizabeth Vestris was an English actress and a contralto opera singer, appearing in works by, among others, Mozart and Rossini. While popular in her time, she was more notable as a theatre producer and manager. After accumulating a fortune from her performances, she leased the Olympic Theatre in London and produced a series of burlesques and extravaganzas, especially popular works by James Planché, for which the house became famous. She also produced his work at other theatres she managed.
by Robert William Buss
Madame Vestris as Don Giovanni in W.T. Moncrieff's Giovanni in London, Hand-coloured etching, c. 1820
Madame Vestris as Felix in The Alcaid, coloured engraving, London, 1824
Tinsel print of Madame Vestris as Apollo, English, 1837–1840