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Broadway Theatre, Catford

Coordinates: 51°26′43″N 0°01′14″W / 51.4453°N 0.0205°W / 51.4453; -0.0205
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Broadway, Catford
Broadway, Catford
Map
Former namesLewisham Theatre
AddressRushey Green
London, SE6
United Kingdom
Coordinates51°26′43″N 0°01′14″W / 51.4453°N 0.0205°W / 51.4453; -0.0205
Public transitNational Rail Catford Bridge
OwnerLondon Borough of Lewisham
DesignationGrade II listed
TypeReceiving house
Capacity800 seated (main)
100 seated (studio theatre)
ProductionCinema, theatre, music and pantomime
Construction
Opened1932; 92 years ago (1932)
ArchitectBradshaw Gass & Hope
Website
broadwaytheatre.org.uk

The Broadway Theatre (formerly known as the Lewisham Theatre) is a theatre on Rushey Green, Catford, in the London Borough of Lewisham. A grade II listed building,[1] the theatre was built in 1932 and is an example of Art Deco design. It has two auditoriums, an 800-seat main theatre and a small 80-seat studio theatre. The theatre's programme consists of a diverse mix of theatre and music, including stand up comedy, nostalgia shows, pantomime, drama and children's theatre.

History

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The architects of the building were Bradshaw Gass & Hope; the slightly Gothic features were intended to relate to the adjacent Gothic style vestry hall which has since been demolished.[2] The theatre was originally a concert hall, built as part of the town hall extension, which was officially opened by the Duke of York on 22 June 1932.[3] A pipe organ made by John Compton with three manuals was installed at the time the concert hall opened.[3]

Main theatre

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The Broadway Theatre is particularly noted for presenting a wide range of black theatre.[4]

Broadway Studio

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The Broadway's Studio Theatre runs a continuous programme of productions featuring professional actors and directors. Since 2001's production of Ben Elton's Popcorn the studio has hosted numerous productions including Cabaret, Trainspotting, A Clockwork Orange and their critically acclaimed take on Frank McGuinness's Someone Who'll Watch Over Me.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Historic England. "Lewisham Theatre and Department of Environmental Service (1253065)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  2. ^ Theatre History Archived September 8, 2007, at the Wayback Machine accessed 18 September 2007
  3. ^ a b "London, Broadway Theatre". Cinema Organs. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  4. ^ "A brief history of Broadway Theatre, Catford". South London Club. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
  5. ^ "Theatre review: Someone Who'll Watch Over Me". News Shopper. 27 September 2006.
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