Published: (Updated: )
Mecca takes on lease of Streatham Hill Theatre
On 20th December 1962 Mecca signed a lease for the building.
Save Streatham Hill Theatre from change of use to a church
Published: (Updated: )
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 first session.
Published: (Updated: )
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.
Published: (Updated: )
Desmond Carrington in Doctor in the House 1962
Bromley-born broadcaster, radio producer and actor, Desmond Carrington (23 May 1926 – 1 February 2017) performed in ‘Doctor in the House’ in the week beginning 16 April 1962, only a few months before the SHT closed as a theatre.
From the radio blog obituary to him: Random radio jottings, Thursday 2 February 2017, Radio Lives – Desmond Carrington…
“Ironically it was Desmond’s TV fame that led to his future career as a disc jockey. In 1962 he was invited to compere Housewives’ Choice for a fortnight whilst he was still appearing as Dr Anderson [emergency medicine consultant in ATV’s Emergency Ward 10 long running TV series] and, as the Radio Times billing adds, also appearing on stage in Doctor in the House at Streatham Hill Theatre.”
Published: (Updated: )
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.
Published: (Updated: )
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
Published: (Updated: )
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 there was a crowd waiting as first Christopher Soames arrived, and then Mr and Mrs Churchill.
They were greeted by James Perry and Frederic Lloyd, the general manager of the D’Oyly Carte Company. The party’s seats were in the front stalls, and as they entered the audience rose and clapped. In the interval they went to the Theatre Board Room where they were entertained. They signed the Theatre autograph book which also contained signatures of many famous stars.
Published: (Updated: )
Under the Sycamore Tree, 1952
There is a great model box in the V&A collection for this show which opened pre-west end at SHT in w/b 14 April 1952 – the catalogue states:
“Under the Sycamore Tree, a satirical play in three acts by Sam Spewack making comparisons between humans and ants. Oliver Messel’s production was first produced by H. M. Tennent Productions Ltd. at the Aldwych Theatre, London, 23 April 1952 (with initial prior performances at the Streatham Hill Theatre, London, 14 April 1952). It was directed by Peter Glenville and featured Alec Guinness as The Scientist and Diana Churchill as the Ant Queen.”
Published: (Updated: )
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 role on stage in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
The Bela Lugosi Blog covers the tour, and his career, in more detail…
Published: (Updated: )
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 the pantomime “Cinderella”, a re-staging of the 1942-43 production.
Leave a Comment