A beautiful Grade II listed building, the Broadway Theatre sits proudly in the heart of Catford. It’s a landmark not just in the area, but in the history of theatre in London. The Broadway Theatre has been a source of entertainment since it was built in 1932. Originally, it was an extension to the Catford Town Hall, which has been demolished. Its architecture is a unique blend of styles: Art Deco, Tudor, and Gothic Revival. The theatre was built by Bradshaw Gass & Hope Architects. It originally housed a variety of events such as orchestral concerts and dances before it became an air raid shelter during the Second World War. After the war, this theatre played host to a star-studded line-up of performers from all over the UK and USA, including The Four Tops and Dizzy Gillespie. In the 1980s, the theatre was renamed ‘The Lewisham Theatre’, and the 1990s saw the rise of the Black Theatre initiative that brought a new era of performances to the theatre, attracting diverse audiences. The Broadway Theatre itself was granted Grade II listed status in 1993. You’ll see the theatre still retains its grandeur. In 2001, the building was renamed ‘The Broadway Theatre’ and it underwent a major refurbishment. It was once again restored to its original name and a further £7 million renovation took place in 2022. This latest refurbishment brought the theatre into the 21st century with new technology and improved accessibility for performers and audience members. In 2022, the Broadway Theatre continued to play its vital role in the community of Catford as a vibrant venue.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service