Broadway theatre, Catford: Search for new Aladdin ‘Genie’
The Broadway theatre, a Grade-II listed building built in 1932, has enjoyed a prodigious festive heritage with panto favourites including John Altman, Keith Chegwin, Lenny Henry, Paul Shane, Shane Ritchie and Lulu to name but a few, gracing the stage.
The theatre started out as a concert hall and was built on top of a disused fire station.
It was built as an extension to the town hall next door and the architecture was to match it. The new concert hall was officially opened on June 22, 1932 by the Duke of York.
During the Second World War the building was used as a ration station, telephone exchange and an air raid shelter. In the 1980s the concert hall was renamed and rebranded as The Lewisham Theatre and the interior was refurbished with new technology and layout.
The old hall was refurbished with cabaret-style seating and the ability to seat about 120 people. The new main auditorium became famous for its comedy performances.
From 2001 the theatre changed its name and became the Broadway Theatre. The building underwent a restoration and much of its famous art deco architecture and interior was refurbished. The main auditorium has gothic style oak panelling, a curved roof with coffered panels and walls featuring giant round-headed arches.
The theatre is entering a new era with the focus on festivals, community projects and live music. In the summer of 2018, Broadway Theatre will host the first ever annual Catford Fringe Festival, which attracted artists and musicians from all over, but especially from the local Lewisham community to perform.
This Christmas Panto is also coming home to Catford this year. As pantomime returns to The Broadway Theatre, Catford in Aladdin (December 7-30), Selladoor Worldwide announces that it will make a Christmas wish come true this year as it searches for a talented local singer and actor to win a paid part in the professional company as the Genie of the Lamp.
It’s time to find your inner ‘Genie-us’ and be crowned Broadway’s Best. The winner of Broadway’s Best will be joined on stage by Cbeebies favourite Joanna Adeyinka-Burford as Princess Blossom, local funnyman Wayne Rollins as Abanazar, Melissa Nettleford as the Spirit of the Ring, and Samuel Freeman as Wishy Washy. Aladdin is brought to the stage by renowned producer Selladoor, whose most recent large-scale UK tours include Flashdance The Musical, Fame The Musical, Madagascar The Musical and Footloose.
Selladoor Family Presents Aladdin
Pantomime is coming home to Catford and is bigger and better than ever, as The Broadway Theatre, announces that Aladdin is set to fly into town on his magic carpet Fri 12 Dec – Sun 30 Dec.
Join the fun this Christmas in the enchanting world of Peking where an exciting adventure will unfold. Meet brave Aladdin, the rebellious Princess, the larger than life Widow Twankey and be part of Wishee-Washee’s gang: will these friends foil the Evil Abanazar’s plan? You’ll have to come along to find out!
Expect loads of audience participation, dazzling costumes, spectacular sets, live music and magical special effects this magical tale of a foreign land will guarantee to make your pantomime wishes come true!
Aladdin in on sale on Wed 28 March. Book your tickets at www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk or telephone the Box Office on 0208 690 0002
COULD YOU BE CROWNED BROADWAY’S BEST? CATFORD PANTOMIME IS SEARCHING FOR A STAR!
Selladoor Worldwide are excited to announce that we will make a Christmas wish come true this year as we search for a talented local singer and actor to win a paid part in the professional company as the Genie of the Lamp! It’s time to find your inner ‘Genie-us’ and be crowned Broadway’s Best?
For your chance to tread the boards and follow in the footsteps of previous panto greats in Catford including John Altman, Keith Chegwin, Lenny Henry, Paul Shane, Shane Ritchie and Lulu -to name but a few – all you need to do is complete the APPLICATION FORM to submit your entry including a short video performance of you singing your greatest showstopper!
A shortlist will be put forward for a public vote to South London Press readers where the final selection will perform in a live final at the Broadway Theatre on 7th September when a winner will be chosen
(Entrants must be aged 18 and terms and conditions apply).
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