Broadway Theatre

Despite its former name (Lewisham Theatre) the Broadway Theatre is in the heart of Catford. Built as a concert hall extension to the old Town Hall (a much extended and finally completely replaced building of 1875-1901) the building included offices and were always multi-purpose rooms, the main hall becoming a recognised local centre for concerts etc.

The Broadway Theatre with its 102 seat Studio assumed a greater importance following the demolition of Frank Matcham’s magnificent Lewisham Hippodrome in 1960, the new name reflecting the fact that it was the only working theatre in the borough apart from the Albany in Deptford.

Architecturally it is a landmark curved stone building with hipped tiled roof with 2 stage domed octagonal cupola surmounted by a weathervane. The Concert Hall has gothic style oak panelling, curved roof with coffered panels and walls featuring giant round-headed arches. The proscenium arch is flanked by panels surmounted by shields, flanked by heraldic beasts and metal scrollwork grilles as well as original Compton organ.