Warehouse Theatre

Converted in 1977 from a Victorian, oak-beamed former cement tile warehouse dating from 1882, the Warehouse Theatre retained several of its original features, including picture tiles. Externally, constructed in red brick, slate roof and five arched feature windows at first floor. Front of house, cafe and restaurant were contained in an adjacent Victorian building set at a right angle with a courtyard entrance between. The auditorium, at first floor, was a flexible performance area. Limitations of space over time encouraged ingenuity in terms of staging and design for productions. Planning permission for the 'Gateway' development next to East Croydon station (which incorporates the Warehouse site) was granted in 2006, a development that would include a new 200-seat theatre for this enthusiastic and popular theatre company. Plans were delayed, however, and the Warehouse continued in situ, until early 2012 when financial difficulties forced the theatre company into administration. In November 2013, the theatre was demolished.