Broadway Theatre Catford

The Broadway Theatre, located in Catford, is a Grade II listed building with a rich history in Variety, Comedy, and Black theatre productions. Designed by architects Bradshaw Gass & Hope, it opened in 1932 as an extension to the original gothic-style town hall. Initially planned by Lewisham Metropolitan Council in the 1920s, the theatre was intended for various civic, social, and dramatic purposes. During WWII, it served as an air raid shelter, telephone exchange, and ration distribution center. Post-war, it hosted performances by notable artists like The Four Tops and Dizzy Gillespie. Renamed The Lewisham Theatre in the 1980s, it embraced technological advancements and introduced the Black Theatre initiative in 1991, leading to a series of sell-out shows. The theatre was granted Grade II listed status in 1993 and underwent significant refurbishments in 2001 and 2022, enhancing its facilities and accessibility. Today, it stands as a prominent cultural landmark in South London.