Streatham, South London, UK info@streathamhilltheatre.org 020 3582 4912
The story of a suburban theatre book cover

Published: Streatham Hill Theatre – The story of a suburban theatre

The Streatham Society has published a book by John Cresswell, telling the story of Streatham’s West End style theatre from its inception in 1926 through to 2000 when it was a bingo hall. It is available from our… Read More

Mayfair takes over building from Mecca in 1998

On 18th August 1998, Mayfair Bingo signed a sublease for the theatre from Mecca.

Grade II listing granted: 22nd September 1994

The theatre was granted a Grade 2 listing in 1994 as “an unusually lavish example of a theatre built in the short-lived revival of building in 1929-30; as a suburban example of this date the building may be unique”. Much of… Read More

Mecca takes on lease of Streatham Hill Theatre

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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