The Society of London Theatre (first called the Society of West End Theatre) was founded by Sir Charles Wyndham in 1908 as a trade body for the London theatre industry. It celebrated its 100th birthday in 2008 with a year of special events.

Since it was formed, SOLT has seen many changes and improvements. This concise timeline charts the major benchmarks in the Society’s history, putting it in the context of a little social and theatrical history. Links within the text offer further information on our sister websites.

More detailed information about SOLT can be found at www.solt.co.uk

• 1908
  The creation of the industry body Society of West End Theatre Managers.

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• 1914-1918
  First World War

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• 1920
  The Society of West End Theatre Managers and the Theatrical Management Association agree to share offices.

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• 1922
  The very first London Theatre Guide is published.

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• 1926
  Britain’s first ever General Strike.

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• 1929
  The Actors’ Association reforms as British Actors’ Equity

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• 1939-1945
  Second World War

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• 1946
  The Arts Council is formed.

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• 1952
  The Mousetrap opens. It is now the longest running play in history.

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• 1963
  Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre opens at the Old Vic.

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• 1968
  Theatre Censorship is abolished after nearly 400 years.

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• 1976
  The Society of West End Theatre Awards (now the Laurence Olivier Awards) is founded.

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• 1976
  Foundation of the Theatre Investment Fund (now Stage One).

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• 1980
  Opening of the Half Price Ticket Booth (now tkts ticket booth) in Leicester Square.

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• 1981
  The first report looking at audiences for London’s Theatres is published.

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• 1984
  The first Theatre Tokens are printed.

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• 1986
  The first Box Office Data Report is published.

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• 1987
  Launch of The Laurence Olivier Bursary.
  Rupert Rhymes becomes the first joint Chief Executive of both SWET and TMA.

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• 1990
  Start of reduced-price parking schemes for West End theatregoers.

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• 1994
  The Society Of West End Theatre officially changes its name to The Society Of London Theatre.

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• 1995
  The first Theatre List is published.

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• 1997
  The Official London Theatre Guide website is launched.
  The first Kids Week takes place.

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• 1998
  The Wyndham Report is published looking at the economic impact of London’s West End Theatres.

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• 1999
  The Queen visits London’s Theatreland on 4 March.

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• 2001
  Get Into London Theatre is launched.

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• 2003
  The Theatres Trust publishes Act Now!

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• 2008
  The Society celebrates 100 years of London’s Theatreland and announces record-breaking box office figures for 2007.

The Society has had 35 Presidents in its history, each one elected to the position by his/her fellow members.  Download a list of SOLT Presidents.

Images from the V&A Theatre Collections, celebrating the UK's unique performing arts heritage, are available online at www.vam.ac.uk/theatre