In 1900, a palace of dreams rose on St John’s Hill. The Clapham Grand, originally the New Grand Theatre of Varieties, opened its doors to a world of spectacle. Imagine, a 3,000-seat theatre with a stage spanning 68 by 28 feet. It was a stage built for legends. The Clapham Grand was the brainchild of music hall giants like Dan Leno, Herbert Campbell, and Fred Williams. They envisioned a space where the best in variety entertainment could shine. From the scandalous Marie Lloyd to a young Charlie Chaplin, the Grand’s stage hosted the stars of the era. Over the years, The Clapham Grand adapted to the changing times. It transitioned into a cinema, showing films like Laurel and Hardy’s goat-chasing escapades. It even embraced the bingo craze, becoming the Essoldo Bingo Club and later, Mecca Bingo. The Grand even faced threats of becoming a petrol station and a Wetherspoon’s pub. But each time, it persevered. Today, The Clapham Grand stands as a testament to its enduring spirit. It has hosted iconic bands such as The Kinks, Oasis, and Muse. It continues to entertain with its eclectic mix of events, from themed film screenings to Bongo’s Bingo. The Clapham Grand’s journey is a story of resilience and reinvention. It is a place where history comes alive, echoing with the laughter and applause of generations past.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service