The announcement on what would have been the theatre’s 91st birthday, is some welcome good news at a time when the industry is in crisis.

The key points are:

• South London’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ marks its 91st birthday on 20th November 2020.
• Baroness Floella Benjamin, DBE, DL, Catherine Russell, Jessica Thom, Paul Merton, Renato Balsadonna, Robert Glenister, Samira Ahmed, Simon Callow, CBE and Sir Mark Rylance are the Patrons for the campaign to return the building to public use.
• Over 100 creative industry individuals and organisations give their support to the campaign.

The campaign’s new Patrons are past and present Streatham or South London residents and join a long list of local business, members of the community, public bodies, and creative sector supporters who all agree the building should be returned to public use.

Paul Merton, Comedian, Improviser, Writer and Presenter said:

‘Such an amazing array of stars played at the Streatham Hill Theatre back in the day. It would be wonderful to see this beautiful theatre brought back to life so we could enjoy watching the next generation of performers tread its boards.’

Samira Ahmed, Arts & News Presenter and Theatres Trust Ambassador said:

‘Opening up Streatham Hill Theatre to the public again would be truly exciting. What could be a finer community asset than this building?’

Sir Mark Rylance, Actor, Theatre Director and Playwright said:

‘I live very happily in South London as did my grandfather and great grandfather before me.  I totally support the amazing efforts of the Friends to reuse this gem of a building for the community as an arts and creative hub.’

Robert Glenister, Actor said:

‘I applaud the Friends’ campaign to bring this wonderful theatre back to life and help make Streatham the place to visit for creative entertainment, as it used to be many years ago.’

The full Press Release is available, and you can see more about our Patrons on the supporters page.