Streatham, South London, UK info@streathamhilltheatre.org 020 3582 4912

Timeline

  • Theatre closes due to Declaration of War

    In the week beginning 4th September 1939 the theatre closed due to the declaration of war with Germany the day before. The government ordered all places of entertainment to be closed due to fear of bombing. SHARE VIA… Read More

  • First appearances in London since war began

    Flyer for ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ at the Streatham Hill Theatre from 23rd October 1939, annotated by Lucy Awdry: ‘All Star Cast, their first appearance in London since war began’. In September 1939 all cinemas and theatres… Read More

  • Serious Bomb Damage: 3rd July 1944

    At 6.30am on the morning of Monday 3rd July 1944 a flying bomb destroyed the side wall of the theatre. Sleeping inside the theatre was an air-raid warden and his family on fire-watch duty. The bomb blew a gaping… Read More

  • Repaired theatre reopens: 23rd December 1950

    Repairs after the bomb damage from 1944 were delayed as homes took priority for rebuilding. The theatre was rebuilt with a few changes from the original plans. The Streatham Hill Theatre eventually reopened on Boxing Day 1950 with… Read More

  • Prime Minister Winston Churchill drops in for a show!

    On 18th August 1952, Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister, made a surprise visit to the Theatre to see D’Oyly Carte’s The Yeomen of the Guard. Despite the secrecy, the stationing of two policemen outside soon aroused curiosity and… Read More

  • Moscow State Variety Theatre perform

    On the 5th July 1957 the Moscow State Variety Theatre performed at the Streatham Hill Theatre. More information courtesy of Streatham Society: https://www.streathamsociety.org.uk/blog/moscow-state-theatre-at-streatham-hill-theatre SHARE VIA TwitterFacebookEmail

  • Roy Hudd makes professional debut at Streatham Hill

    At a Grand Concert in aid of the Sir Philip Game Boys’ Club, Roy Hudd made his professional debut, alongside a host of our famous names, and compered by Bruce Forsyth. SHARE VIA TwitterFacebookEmail

  • The Final Curtain for theatre: 9th June 1962

    When the curtain fell for the Saturday evening performance of ‘The Rehearsal‘ it would turn out to be the final curtain. The theatre remained dark through the summer of 1962. SHARE VIA TwitterFacebookEmail

  • Britain’s biggest bingo hall opens: 14th November 1962

    Mecca had acquired the building in 1962 and on Wednesday 14th November 1962, the Streatham Hill Theatre opened its doors again as the biggest bingo casino in the country. Despite heavy rain around 2000 came to attend the… Read More

  • Mecca takes on lease of Streatham Hill Theatre

    On 20th December 1962 Mecca signed a lease for the building. SHARE VIA TwitterFacebookEmail

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