Broadway Theatre, Catford
The Broadway Theatre (formerly known as the Lewisham Theatre) is a theatre on Rushey Green, Catford, in the London Borough of Lewisham. A grade II listed building,[1] the theatre was built in 1932 and is an example of Art Deco design. It has two auditoriums, an 800-seat main theatre and a small 80-seat studio theatre. The theatre's programme consists of a diverse mix of theatre and music, including stand up comedy, nostalgia shows, pantomime, drama and children's theatre.
 Broadway, Catford | |
| Former names | Lewisham Theatre |
|---|---|
| Address | Rushey Green London, SE6 United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 51.4453°N 0.0205°W |
| Public transit |  Catford Bridge |
| Owner | London Borough of Lewisham |
| Designation | Grade II listed |
| Type | Receiving house |
| Capacity | 800 seated (main) 100 seated (studio theatre) |
| Production | Cinema, theatre, music and pantomime |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1932 |
| Architect | Bradshaw Gass & Hope |
| Website | |
| broadwaytheatre.org.uk | |
History
The architects of the building were Bradshaw Gass & Hope; the slightly Gothic features were intended to relate to the adjacent Gothic style vestry hall which has since been demolished.[2] The theatre was originally a concert hall, built as part of the town hall extension, which was officially opened by the Duke of York on 22 June 1932.[3] A pipe organ made by John Compton with three manuals was installed at the time the concert hall opened.[3]
Main theatre
The Broadway Theatre is particularly noted for presenting a wide range of black theatre.[4]
Broadway Studio
The Broadway's Studio Theatre runs a continuous programme of productions featuring professional actors and directors. Since 2001's production of Ben Elton's Popcorn the studio has hosted numerous productions including Cabaret, Trainspotting, A Clockwork Orange and their critically acclaimed take on Frank McGuinness's Someone Who'll Watch Over Me.[5]
References
- Historic England. "Lewisham Theatre and Department of Environmental Service (1253065)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
- Theatre History Archived September 8, 2007, at the Wayback Machine accessed 18 September 2007
- "London, Broadway Theatre". Cinema Organs. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
- "A brief history of Broadway Theatre, Catford". South London Club. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
- "Theatre review: Someone Who'll Watch Over Me". News Shopper. 27 September 2006.
External links
