Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre

Today marks the start of Trustee's Week. We would like to thank our Trustees who volunteer their time, skills and enthusiasm to govern the activities of the charity. https://streathamhilltheatre.org/support/trustees

The Rape of the Belt, a comedy based on Greek mythology, opened at Streatham Hill Theatre on 3rd November 1958. One review of the play read "The characters are witty and ... the story is frothy and politely risque".

Ohhh...Oklahoma! The classic musical ran for a week at Streatham Hill Theatre from 2nd November 1953.

Sunday 1st November 1942 - A charity performance in aid of local fire services by the London Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Sir Henry Wood.

The review of the change of use application is not on the agenda for the Planning Commitee meeting on 28th October, so the NEXT possible date is 18th November. However, you can still email Lambeth your comments - details on our Campaign Page: https://streathamhilltheatre.org/campaign

An all star gala night on Sunday 27th October 1957 to raise funds for the Sir Philip Game Boys Club - which is still running today in Croydon as the Sir Philip Game Centre!

On 25th October 1954, a production of Guys And Dolls opened at Streatham Hill Theatre, featuring Sid James as good old reliable Nathan Detroit!

Look at that cast! The Importance Of Being Earnest opened at Streatham Hill Theatre on 23rd October 1939.

After a six month run at the West End's Princess Theatre, the touring show of A Touch Of The Sun came to Streatham Hill Theatre on 20th October 1958. The star was Brixton born Jean Kent.

The review of the change of use application is not on the agenda for the Planning Commitee meeting on 28th October, so the NEXT possible date is 18th November. However, you can still email Lambeth your comments - details on our Campaign Page: https://streathamhilltheatre.org/campaign

Live performance continued at the theatre during the Mecca Bingo period. Acts would entertain in between or after the bingo sessions - these included Roy Castle, The Nolans and, on 14th October 1971, the Sid Lawrence Orchestra giving their tribute to Glenn Miller.

ICYMI: The next potential date for the change of use application to be reviewed by Lambeth Planning is now 28th October. If you have not already done so, it is still possible to register your comments by email. Information on our Campaign Page - https://streathamhilltheatre.org/campaign

Twenty Minutes South, a breezy youth orientated musical about commuting, began a week long run at Streatham Hill Theatre on 10th October 1957.

No - it is not too early to be thinking about Christmas! Our history of Streatham Hill Theatre book and packs of pantomime cards are available here - https://streathamhilltheatre.org/support/shop

Thanks to the efforts of the Streatham Festival team and Streatham Theatre Company, there is an opportunity for guided tours of Streatham Hill Theatre next week! Tickets are FREE but very limited. More details on our website - https://streathamhilltheatre.org/streatham-festival-tour-of-the-theatre

THIS THURSDAY! The Annual General Meeting of The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre will be held at 8pm on 9th October. Full information here - https://streathamhilltheatre.org/notice-of-agm-9th-october-2025-at-8pm

UPDATE: The next potential date for the change of use application to be reviewed by Lambeth Planning is now 28th October. If you have not already done so, it is still possible to register your comments by email. Information on our Campaign Page - https://streathamhilltheatre.org/campaign

On 2nd October 1961, the Brian Rix produced farce Simple Spymen, about two street musicians mistakenly being employed a bodyguards, came to Streatham following a three year run at the Whitehall Theatre.

The Brendan Behan play The Quare Fellow came to Streatham Hill Theatre on 1st October 1956. Directed by Joan Littlewood, the cast featured Brian Murphy and, in his first stage role, Richard Harris.

In a transfer from The Ambassadors, the romantic comedy The Man in Possession, starring Iris Hoey, began a week long run at Streatham Hill Theatre on 29th September 1930.

We are very sorry to learn that the Crystal Palace Festival will not continue. Full story from News From Crystal Palace here - 
https://newsfromcrystalpalace.wordpress.com/2025/09/22/thank-you-for-the-music-crystal-palace-festival-plays-its-last-note/

We believe that the Change of Use application for Streatham Hill Theatre will not be assessed by Lambeth until 7th October at the earliest - so there is still an opportunity to register your objection by e-mail!
More details on our site - https://streathamhilltheatre.org

ICYMI: The Annual General Meeting of The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre will be held at 8pm on Thursday 9th October 2025. Full information on the AGM can be seen here - https://streathamhilltheatre.org/notice-of-agm-9th-october-2025-at-8pm

Prior to transferring to the West End, the comedy Watch It Sailor - a sequel to the hit show Sailor Beware - came to Streatham Hill on 21st September 1959. A 24 year old Wanda Ventham can be spotted in the cast list!

Before your very eyes! Arthur Askey was a regular pantomime dame at Streatham Hill Theatre but he also starred in his variety show there from 21st September 1942.

More local advertising - this time we have a look at places to eat on Streatham High Road in 1961.

These adverts from a 1954 Streatham Hill Theatre programme give a fascinating glimpse of the local area.

As far as we know, the Change of Use application for Streatham Hill Theatre will not be assessed by Lambeth until October at the earliest. This means that there is still an opportunity to register your objection by e-mail. More information on our site - https://streathamhilltheatre.org

Huge thanks to Knitting Norbury Together for this banner to publicise our campaign. The banner will be on display in various places around Streatham. Keep a lookout - if you see it, please post a pic on your socials!
More here - https://streathamhilltheatre.org/norbury-knitters-knit-banner-for-sht

ICYMI: The Friends are giving a presentation on the SHT and our campaign to the Equity South London Branch meeting on Saturday 20th September 1-3 pm at Brixton House and online. Our London Equity member supporters are welcomed by the branch as guests.