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Christopher Hugh Kingdon, the grandson of Hugh Sewell Kingdon, who created the Theatre and the nearby Locarno, along with his family, visited Streatham Hill.
Our Memories project lead Stephanie Black asked Chris to tell us about his grandfather and his connection. There’s a transcript available too (PDF).
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Our first AGM as a CIO and Charity was held on 13th July 2022. The minutes, reports and other documents are available here.
The meeting was followed by a regular campaign meeting, which focussed on the recent changes of ownership of the theatre freehold, and the likely implications to the campaign. It is early days, so we expect things to develop over the next few weeks and months. We will keep you updated through emails, social media and campaign meetings. Meanwhile, the campaign will continue researching the new owner’s plans, and preparing for potential planning applications, working with other key stakeholders.
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We heard on 29th June that the theatre freehold was to be sold again, and this was confirmed on Friday 1st July. The property company Hold Land South East Ltd who recently bought the theatre for £2.76m as a medium to long term investment have sold the building on to Ruach City Church for £4m.
The church plan to use the theatre to relocate from their current Brixton Hill church – they announced the purchase at their gathering on Sunday 3rd July – you can see the video here.
Obviously this will affect the campaign! We will need to understand more about the circumstances, engage with the various organisations supporting the campaign, and reach out to Ruach to understand their plans and their implications.
Please do come along to our AGM where we can provide the latest information and talk about how we move forward.
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Ian Howells has created an amazing Lego model, based on the artist impression of a future Streatham Hill Theatre. His photos show the incredible detail of his magnificent model.
Today, 29th June, Save Britain’s Heritage (SAVE), has added Streatham Hill Theatre to its Buildings at Risk Register 2022 which highlights historic buildings whose future is uncertain, and ultimately seeks to return them to use and secure the buildings’ futures.
David Harewood MBE and Jools Holland OBE DL have today become Patrons of The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre campaign to find a sustainable solution to the future of the building, and promote its return to use as an arts and culture venue for the community. Other Patrons of the campaign include: Baroness Floella Benjamin, DBE, DL, Samira Ahmed, and Sir Mark Rylance.
Also today, broadcast journalism students at the University of Westminster have published online a student documentary featuring Sherwood star, and campaign Patron, Robert Glenister, and others, covering the history of the Theatre, its importance, and the campaign to save it.
Responding to these announcements, David Harvey, Chair, The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre said “These developments demonstrate yet more recognition for the majestic Streatham Hill Theatre, its historic importance, and the breadth and depth of support in the community for the building to be rejuvenated for a future in arts and culture.”
Further statements:
‘The prospect of bringing back to life a theatre in South London, with a stage the equivalent size of the Palladium, is very exciting. My friend the late Chris Barber and his jazz band played there in the fifties, and it would be so wonderful to see the Streatham Hill Theatre filled with all kinds of music once again. I’m delighted to add my support to this important campaign to save it.”
Jools Holland OBE DL, Pianist, Composer, Bandleader, Singer and Broadcaster
“Theatre and the Creative Arts are so important for people’s well-being, which is just one of the reasons I’m fully behind the Friends’ campaign to bring this very special building back to life as a beating heart for our wonderful Streatham community and beyond.”
David Harewood MBE, Actor, Director, Presenter and Author
“If it can be preserved as a historical venue and as a performing venue as well, then, best of both worlds.”
Robert Glenister, Actor
“With dazzlingly opulent interiors, this exceptional 1920s theatre is an important part of London’s rich cultural history. Remarkably little altered since it opened, it is well-suited to being brought back into use as a performance venue. SAVE Britain’s Heritage is today adding it to our Buildings at Risk Register as the theatre has lain largely disused for some time and is highly vulnerable to redevelopment. Fortunately, The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre have a vision to bring the theatre back into use for the community. SAVE wholeheartedly supports their initiative.”
Henrietta Billings, Director, SAVE Britain’s Heritage
“The addition of the Streatham Hill Theatre to the Save Britain’s Heritage’s latest At Risk Register is a significant step in the ongoing efforts to protect this hidden gem in the heart of Streatham.
“Together with the Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre, Lambeth Council is committed to doing all we can to celebrate its rich history and safeguard its future.
“The campaign has captured everyone’s imagination in Streatham and beyond, and to have so many talented artists, actors and musicians backing the cause show the strength of feeling for this historic venue.”
Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth Council Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Leisure and Sport
“The stunning Streatham Hill Theatre has enormous potential to be restored to its former glory, and used once again as a centre for the arts and creativity.
“The Council should do everything possible to support The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre ensuring the site is designated as an Asset of Community Value way past its current end-date of July 2023, and to attract funding for the project. There is the opportunity for a cultural centre that would benefit all ages and all communities here in Lambeth.
“Meanwhile, preserving and renovating the theatre for future generations would draw more people to Streatham from all over London, helping to reinvent Europe’s longest high street.”
Cllr Donna Harris, Councillor for Streatham Hill West & Thornton Ward and Group Leader, Lambeth Liberal Democrats
“Since we added Streatham Hill Theatre to our Theatres at Risk Register in 2017, we have been working with the Friends group and other interested parties to find a viable long-term use for this unique theatre. We are delighted to see that support for this cause is growing and we hope that together, Streatham Hill Theatre can be restored, reopened and returned to use as a valuable asset to its local community and high street.”
Claire Appleby, Architecture Adviser, Theatres Trust
The full press released is here (PDF).
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David Harewood, MBE and Jools Holland, OBE, DL have today become Patrons of The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre campaign to find a sustainable solution to the future of the building, and promote its return to use as an arts and culture venue for the community. Other Patrons of the campaign include: Baroness Floella Benjamin, DBE, DL, Samira Ahmed, and Sir Mark Rylance.
‘Theatre and the Creative Arts are so important for people’s well-being, which is just one of the reasons I’m fully behind the Friends’ campaign to bring this very special building back to life as a beating heart for our wonderful Streatham community and beyond.’
‘The prospect of bringing back to life a theatre in South London, with a stage the equivalent size of the Palladium, is very exciting. My friend the late Chris Barber and his jazz band played there in the fifties, and it would be so wonderful to see the Streatham Hill Theatre filled with all kinds of music once again. I’m delighted to add my support to this important campaign to save it.’
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Today, broadcast journalism students at the University of Westminster have published online a student documentary featuring Sherwood star, and campaign Patron, Robert Glenister, and others, covering the history of Streatham Hill Theatre, its importance, and the campaign to save it.
A team of University of Westminster MA Broadcast Journalism students, led by Neha Suryavanshi, looked to make a documentary about London losing so many historic buildings, choosing to focus on Streatham Hill Theatre. They interviewed various people supporting the Friends’ campaign. The documentary is published on our YouTube channel. Neha can be contacted at w1854011@my.westminster.ac.uk
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NOTICE is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of
The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre will be held
at Vinters Studio 2, 1b Sunnyhill Road, London SW16 2UG
at 8pm on Wednesday 13th July 2022
to transact the following business:
Agenda(a)
1. Apologies(e)
2. Minutes of last AGM held 16th June 2021(c)
Matters arising and acceptance
3. Receive reports from Trustees(c)
4. Receive financial statements and report from the Treasurer(c)
5. Election of Trustees(c, d)
7. Other business of The Friends
By order of the Board of Trustees
Jeremy Clyne, Secretary
The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre CIO
Registered in England:
Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Number CE024993
Registered Charity Number 1193643
Registered office: 1b Sunnyhill Road, London, SW16 2UG
Notes
(a) Note that this is the first AGM of The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre as a CIO, under its new CIO Constitution. The previous AGM in 2021 was held as an unincorporated association under the original Constitution.
(b) The CIO Constitution is published here: http://resources.streathamhilltheatre.org/friends
(c) Supporting documents and forms are published here: http://resources.streathamhilltheatre.org/friends
(d) As this is the first AGM of the CIO, all existing Trustees stand down and are eligible for re-election. Members may nominate candidates using the nomination form(c) In subsequent years, one third of the Trustees stand down and are eligible for re-election.
(e) If unable to attend, members may appoint a proxy using the appointment form(c)
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9 June 2022 marks the sad fact that it’s been 60 years since Streatham Hill Theatre – once THE place for West End transfers – last staged a theatrical performance before becoming a bingo hall. When the curtain fell on ‘The Rehearsal‘ on 9 June 1962 it would be the final curtain for shows at one of London’s most lavish theatres. To this day most of the theatre remains intact, its heritage and future potential recognised by Historic England, Theatres Trust & many more.
To mark this 60th anniversary, we look to the past and to the future for inspiration to save this historic building for the community with two exciting new developments.
Firstly, we publish Sir Tom Courtenay’s memories of Streatham Hill Theatre in a new addition to our ‘Memories’ project, a rich and growing set of stories about this historic theatre and its place in the community. Listen here: https://streathamhilltheatre.org/tom-courtenay-talks-about…
And looking to an exciting future, we call for ‘Your Visions for Streatham Hill Theatre’. We ask you to share with us your selfie videos of what a rejuvenated Streatham Hill Theatre would mean to you. Find out how to share your vision here: https://streathamhilltheatre.org/about/your-visions
The Friends would like to know Your Visions for Streatham Hill Theatre!
We’re looking to the future, and asking you to take a short selfie video, describing what a rejuvenated SHT would mean to you.
We’d like to hear the clear voice of local people of all ages and backgrounds, and especially those of the younger generation. We also want to hear from local schools, choirs, orchestras, music, drama and dance groups as well as local businesses and residents.
Find out more here.
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