Streatham, South London, UK info@streathamhilltheatre.org 020 3582 4912

Category: Heritage, Memories

Published: (Updated: ) by FoSHT-admin

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.”

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Category: Heritage, Image, News, Show

Published: (Updated: ) by FoSHT-admin

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.

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Category: Heritage, Image, Show

Published: (Updated: ) by FoSHT-admin

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

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Category: Heritage

Published: (Updated: ) by FoSHT-admin

Laurence Olivier Productions present Meet a Body

This production of the play Meet a Body (by Sidney Gilliat and Frank Launder) by Laurence Olivier Productions Ltd, starring Patrick Cargill, opened at Streatham Hill Theatre, London 12th – 17th July 1954 and transferred to Duke of York’s Theatre, London 21st July – 4th September 1954.

This play was a revised version of THE BODY WAS WELL NOURISHED, and was later filmed as THE GREEN MAN.

Details at Theatricalia.

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Category: Heritage, Image, News

Published: (Updated: ) by FoSHT-admin

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.

The Churchills at SHT

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.

The Churchills and James Perry
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Category: Heritage, Image

Published: (Updated: ) by FoSHT-admin

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.”

Set model by Oliver Messel for Sam Spewack’s ‘farcical fable’ Under the Sycamore Tree (Courtesy of V&A)
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Category: Heritage, Image

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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…

UK Revival Tour of Dracula (1951)
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Category: Anniversary, Heritage, Image, News

Published: (Updated: ) by FoSHT-admin

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. 

1942-43 Cinderella
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Category: Anniversary, Heritage, Image, News

Published: (Updated: ) by FoSHT-admin

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 hole 60ft in diameter, damaging much of the interior and both sides of the proscenium arch.  The only fatality was the warden’s mother-in-law.  The extent of the damage was such that the theatre was closed for many years to come.

You can see aerial photos of the damage in this post from 2022.

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Category: Heritage

Published: (Updated: ) by FoSHT-admin

Streatham Hill Playhouse Ltd Wound-up

According to the National Archives, in 1942 the company which originally built Streatham Hill Theatre was wound-up.

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_q=%22streatham+hill+playhouse%22

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