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

Timeline

Top of Proscenium Arch

  • W. G. R. Sprague, theatre architect, dies

    William George Robert Sprague, the renowned theatre architect, has died only four years after his last theatre opened. Sprague was the architect of Streatham Hill Theatre (along with W. H. Barton) which opened in November 1929. Sprague lived… Read More

  • 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

  • D’Oyly Carte Programme in Spring 1940

    In weeks beginning 26th February, and 4th and 11th March 1940, the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company presented a repertory programme of Gilbert and Sullivan operas: The Yeoman of the Guard, The Mikado, The Gondoliers, The Pirates of Penzance,… Read More

  • Streatham Hill Playhouse Ltd Wound-up

    According to the National Archives, in 1942 the company which originally built Streatham Hill Theatre was wound-up. https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_q=%22streatham+hill+playhouse%22 SHARE VIA TwitterFacebookEmail

  • 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

  • Bela Lugosi appears as Dracula

    In 1951, Bela Lugosi took part in a UK revival tour of Dracula, performing at Streatham Hill Theatre from 21st to 26th May. Probably most famous for his title role in the 1931 film, he also performed the… 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

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