Erith Playhouse

Opened as the Oxford Cinema in 1913, the original building had a simple façade with classical details and a central recessed entrance. The interior was on one level, quite plain, with thin plaster moulded panels between piers; cornice and sloping margins to flat ceiling with sparsely moulded false beams. In 1939, the Oxford was acquired by Erith Council and became a furniture warehouse for those in the local community whose homes had been bombed. In 1946, it was leased to the Erith Theatre Guild for conversion to a theatre. A stage, dressing rooms and scene dock were added to the rear and a basement and orchestra pit were excavated.

In 1973 an adjacent building was acquired, and front-of-house facilities were extended and improved, enlarging the foyer and toilets, adding a refreshment area with a rehearsal room over. The façade was reconstructed with pink brick and a large window with close-set wood mullions above the entrance. The present auditorium is that of the original cinema, and makes a charming little theatre for local groups. From the scene dock door is a magnificent view of the Thames Estuary.