If you’ve ever been to see a production at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, you’ll know there’s a distinctive flair for the spectacular that makes the place so special. For more than 100 years the theatre has become famous for staging some of the most ambitious, breath-taking spectacles seen on a West End stage. But the remarkable longevity of this incredible venue didn’t come about by accident. The history of the Theatre Royal’s renovations is an amazing tale in itself, marked by the tireless commitment of several exceptional individuals. First erected in 1663 by Thomas Killigrew under a Royal Charter from King Charles II, the original building is notable for its size, being only as big as the present-day stage, and its short life, being destroyed by fire in 1672. Killigrew’s second theatre, which opened its doors in 1674, managed a far more substantial shift – remaining in operation for 117 years.