| Broadway, Catford | |
| Address: | Rushey Green |
| City: | London, |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Designation: | Grade II listed |
| Coordinates: | 51.4453°N -0.0205°W |
| Architect: | Bradshaw Gass & Hope |
| Owner: | London Borough of Lewisham |
| Capacity: | 800 seated (main) 100 seated (studio theatre) |
| Type: | Receiving house |
| Former Names: | Lewisham Theatre |
| Production: | Cinema, theatre, music and pantomime |
| 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, 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.
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.[1] 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.[2] A pipe organ made by John Compton with three manuals was installed at the time the concert hall opened.[2]
The Broadway Theatre is particularly noted for presenting a wide range of black theatre.[3]
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.[4]