Theatre Royal Drury Lane

The oldest continuously operating theatre in London is also its most haunted, with sightings bringing good fortune to productions.

The Man in Grey

The most famous theatrical ghost:

• Wears a grey riding cloak, boots, and tricorn hat
• Carries a sword
• Walks across the upper circle, through the wall
• Only appears in daytime, during rehearsals

The Discovery

In 1848, workmen found:

• A small room behind the wall
• A skeleton with a dagger in its ribs
• The clothing matched the ghost’s description
• A murder victim from the 1700s

Good Luck Ghost

If the Man in Grey appears during rehearsals:

• The show will be a success
• Sightings precede long runs
• Actors consider him lucky
• He was seen before Oklahoma!, South Pacific, and other hits

Joseph Grimaldi

The father of modern clowning performed here:

• His severed head is said to appear
• Seen in the dress circle
• Watches performances with interest
• Kicks actors who perform poorly

Dan Leno

The legendary pantomime dame:

• Died in 1904 after mental illness
• His ghost appears in his dressing room
• Actors seek his blessing before performances
• Smell of greasepaint accompanies him

Other Spirits

• Charles Macklin, who killed a man in an argument over a wig
• A ghostly hand that pushes actors in the right direction
• An apparition that guided Miss Saigon through its run

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Theatre Royal Drury Lane offers ghost tours before evening performances.