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On 1 October 1929 the Locarno Dance Hall opened in Streatham, just down the hill from the new Streatham Hill Theatre which was preparing its own opening in November 1929.
Opened by band leader Billy Cotton, it was a glittering occasion attended by over 1,500 dancers.
It operated under several different names, closing in 2004, and ultimately being demolished as part of the London Square redevelopment of the site.
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Streatham Hill Playhouse Share Application Form:
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On 11th September 1928 a new company, Streatham Hill Playhouse Ltd, was registered.
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Over 90 years ago local resident and international celebrity of stage and screen, Evelyn Laye laid the foundation stone for the Streatham Hill Playhouse as it was originally to be known.
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The Norwood News of 31 August 1928 featured plans for the new Streatham Hill Theatre as part of a larger development to include a cinema and palais de danse. See the front page here, with thanks to Streatham Society.
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Streatham Hill Theatre (SHT) was designed by W. G. R Sprague and W. H.
Barton, with a capacity of around 2800 and a stage the size of the London
Palladium. It formed part of Streatham’s theatre and entertainment offer when the area was known as “The West End of South London” and (due to the wealth of talent living in the area) as “The Beverly Hills of London”.
W. G. R. Sprague was also the architect responsible for some of the most beautiful and well-known theatres in central London.
The London County Council approved the plans on 26th October 1927.
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This view from around 1912 is from close to Downton Avenue looking south towards Streatham Hill railway station. On the right the gardens with large houses were demolished to make way for entertainment buildings such as the Streatham Hill Theatre, Locarno Dance Hall and Gaumont Cinema during the 1920s.
From the Lambeth archive.
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