Whether you are a sitting councillor standing for re-election, or a candidate standing for the first time, you are surely aware of The Friend’s campaign to save the grand-scale Streatham Hill Theatre for the benefit of the community. As the current owners of the property seek to convert it to a place of worship, we call on you to support the campaign to get all stakeholders together to create the right solution for all.

Some history

The beautiful theatre was built in 1928-9 on a scale similar to the London Palladium with a capacity of around 2,800 (and said then to be the fourth largest theatre in London, and probably still is). The design was by the great theatre architect, WGR Sprague, his last and largest theatre. It served the community, bringing west end shows and famous names to Streatham until 1962, when Mecca launched its flagship bingo and social club there. Bingo survived under various operators until 2017 when the operators closed the main auditorium and continued with only a small part of the building in use.

Campaign

The campaign has the support of the local community, cross-party support from local councillors and our local MP, and support from our high-profile patrons and creative industry supporters, many of whom have local connections.

Since bingo closed on 2017, we have drastically increased the awareness of this great resource, previously sitting largely un-noticed in Streatham Hill, and promoted its rejuvenation to help the local community and the local economy. Working with Lambeth, Theatres Trust and Historic England amongst others, the theatre has been recognised

• As an ‘Asset of Community Value’ (renewed for a second time)
• As ‘At Risk’ by Theatres Trust, Historic England (who listed it at Grade 2), SAVE Britain’s Heritage and the Art Deco Society
• As a key element of regenerating Streatham’s high street (Streatham High Road and Streatham Hill), bringing footfall and spend to the area…
• …by inclusion in Lambeth’s Streatham Investment and Growth Strategy and its Local Plan as a place of entertainment, leisure, arts and culture
• As economically viable as determined by an independent study, crowd-financed by c. 400 supporters, the Mayor of London, Lambeth and Theatres Trust

Opportunity

There is a well-funded professional theatre operator led by award winning Thom Southerland who see the great opportunity to create a flagship art institution at Streatham Hill Theatre, developing work of international importance, while engaging fully with the local community.

Though Thom tried to acquire the theatre from reluctant owners over a long period, he ultimately lost out to a property company in May 2022 who quickly sold on at a large profit to the current owners Ruach City Church in July 2022. Thom has repeatedly attempted to engage Ruach in discussions about an arrangement to, for example share use of the theatre with the church in a similar way to other theatres like the Dominion in Tottenham Court Road. The status of any discussions or negotiations is unclear.

Planning Issues

Since Ruach acquired the building, it was kept empty for a couple of years, then building works and church services started, but without planning permission. Lambeth asked Ruach to present a planning application – their first attempt was rejected but a second attempt has been with planning since May 2025. The application calls for change of use to a place of worship, but this is contrary to several Lambeth and GLA policies protecting entertainment venues from loss. The Friends and many other individuals and organisations including Theatres Trust, have submitted objections to the planning application, and it is still awaiting officer recommendations. It is unlikely to go the Planning Committee until early summer.

A win-win way forward

The Friends believe that a way forward which will benefit Ruach and the community is for all stakeholders to encourage an agreement between Ruach and Thom Southerland for shared use as a commercial theatre, supporting community arts and a church. We have asked Ruach to withdraw their current application, which would not allow shared use,  and work with Thom on a way forward. Thom has the funds to open and renovate the building, bringing people to the area to see quality theatre, with community access and outreach. Ruach would continue to use the building, which would be renovated and maintained and receive income.

Call for action

Please show your support in your campaigning and then, when you take your seat, please continue to support the best result for Streatham Hill Theatre as part of Lambeth council.