Broadway Theatre

The history of the building of the Barking Assembly Hall is unusual. In 1932, as the result of an architectural competition, Borough architect H V Lanchester submitted plans by Reginald Edmonds to Government for a new Town Hall. It was the first building of its kind in the country to be built by direct labour, and work started in 1937. By outbreak of war, the building was only built to first-floor level, and the basement was immediately in use as a bunker. After the war work did not recommence until 1958, and the theatre itself opened in 1961. The original plans show a 1930s façade, but this was modified in 1961 by Borough architect M Maybury. The assembly hall is approached by a flight of steps from Broadway and is in brick with three round-arched windows over the entrance doors, the Municipal Coat-of-Arms above. The hall itself is almost square with windows on each side, and is linked internally by a wide corridor with the Town Hall, which rises behind with its tall clock-tower.

The basement of the building contains crush hall, cloakrooms, toilets, bar and kitchens. Stairs lead up at each side to the entrance foyer with box office, and up again to the balcony level. The areas are spacious and décor throughout is plain, relieved by terrazo floors, heavy wooden doors, and ironwork on staircases and in foyers. The wide auditorium functions for dances, wrestling, banquets etc when not presenting theatre. The floor is finished in Jarrah strip. The balcony has fixed seating for 200. The stage is typical of an assembly hall, being of the concert type with limited flying.

In 2004, the auditorium was modernised and retractable raked seating installed. A more flexible stage was also introduced allowing addition of an apron. It is now the home of Barking College School of Performing Arts.