The stage is set for Westfield’s new theatre to launch
By Ben Lynch, Local Democracy Reporter
A new 670-person theatre in Shepherd’s Bush has had its licence approved ahead of its expected opening date in the autumn of this year.
The new Capital Theatre in Westfield shopping centre is planning to launch in October with its opening production to be Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story Live on Stage.
The venue is taking on the space in the south-west corner of the shopping complex previously occupied by Debenhams and will be set over 35,000sqft.
Capital Theatre, a joint venture by Karl Sydow and Adam Kenwright, had sought permission from Hammersmith and Fulham council to allow licensable activities, including plays, until 1.30am Monday to Sunday. Its proposed opening hours would extend until 2am.
Prior to last Wednesday’s licensing sub-committee meeting, the applicant amended its application for shows and post-events to end by 12.30am and its closing hours to be brought forward to 1am.
Four objections were received from local residents with concerns raised including the initial hours proposed and the effects on antisocial behaviour and noise.
According to the licence application, the audience will also be able to stay after the performance to dance to music from the era of Dirty Dancing, meaning 1950s/60s Americana.
George Profenza was the single objector speaking at the meeting earlier this week. He said while he is excited about the theatre and thinks ‘it’s great for the community to have your presence’, he remained concerned about a potential increase in drunk people in the area and anti-social behaviour.
Sue Dowling, a Partner at Blandy & Blandy representing the applicant, told councillors the intention is not for the venue to be alcohol-led, and that while there will be some dancing after the show, this will allow for a more gradual dispersal of attendees rather than a mass exodus.
She said: “The building itself is within, or partially within, Westfield, and that of course means it’s also within the wider security arrangements that apply to Westfield which has 24-hour security, enormous number of cameras and also of course enjoys brilliant transport links, most of which are on the Westfield side of the A4 so away from the local residents on the other side of that A4 road.”
Ms Dowling said audiences will be directed to take an internal route through Westfield, in part due to security but also to avoid exiting onto nearby residential streets.
The extent of the training to be provided to staff was raised by committee Chair, Cllr Patrick Walsh. He was assured all employees will be given the necessary training. The committee members spent just a few minutes deliberating before informing those in attendance of their approval.
Following the meeting, Mr Sydow and Mr Kenwright, on behalf of Capital Theatre, said: “We are thrilled about the approval of the premises licence and look forward to joining the Westfield London and Hammersmith and Fulham communities. We appreciated the feedback from local residents as we look to deliver first class entertainment to the area.”
An artist’s impression of the Capital Theatre foyer (Picture: Capital Theatre)