Music Halls

There is a long tradition of music halls in Portsmouth. In the early days they were associated with public houses. Some were of doubtful repute, other achieved a high standard. One of the best known was located at the Blue Bell in St Mary’s Street, Old Portsmouth. A small music hall was built by an enterprising licensee in 1856 which proved so popular that a larger one was needed. This was built over the old hall, enabling no break in performances to be necessary, and was much better equipped. It was later known as the South of England Music Hall. Another was the colourfully named Vento’s Temple of Varieties and was located on the corner of Leonard Street and Lake Road.