Broadway Theatre

The Broadway Theatre is a Grade II listed building in the heart of Catford, London. Built in 1932 by architects Bradshaw Gass & Hope, it has served as a community venue for live music, comedy and theatre, and is described as a much-loved community asset with a rich history of Variety, Comedy and Black theatre productions.

The Broadway Theatre was built in 1932 by architects Bradshaw Gass & Hope as an extension to the original gothic style town hall. It was planned by Lewisham Metropolitan Council in the 1920s to be an auditoria for 'a variety of Civic, Social and Dramatic purposes'. During its initial years it was hired by local organisations who held regular orchestral concerts and dances. When WWII started in 1939 the theatre auditorium floor was strengthened to be used as an air raid shelter, and the building was also used as a telephone exchange and ration distribution centre. After the war and throughout the 1950s and 1960s the venue saw stars come to perform from all over the UK and USA, including The Four Tops and Dizzy Gillespie. In the 1980s the theatre was renamed 'The Lewisham Theatre' and technological developments such as computers were used extensively throughout the building. From 1991 onwards the Black Theatre initiative encouraged Black led shows and performances that introduced new audiences to the venue and led to a string of sell out shows. Throughout the rest of the 1990s the theatre was famous for hosting live comedy. The building was given its Grade II listed status in 1993. In 2001 a major refurbishment took place.

A community theatre and entertainment venue in South London.

Product categories. live music · comedy · theatre productions · pantomime

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