Streatham Hill Theatre recognised as an at risk building of historic value

A Grade II listed theatre in Streatham has been declared at risk of being lost forever.

Streatham Hill Theatre, which opened in 1929, was added to Historic England’s heritage at risk register today, November 4.

The theatre has been part of a long campaign to repair it and reopen it as a cultural venue.

It’s revival is being championed by patrons of the arts including Simon Callow and Baroness Floella Benjamin.

Mr Callow said: “It’s wonderful that Historic England has included the Streatham Hill Theatre on its At Risk list, and almost as wonderful that they consider this fine and unique theatre a part of historic England – our heritage – which it most certainly and deservedly is.”

Streatham Hill Theatre was designed by one of the leading theatre architects of the time, William George Robert Sprague. Only a few examples of his buildings still exist.

The building is also unusual because it is one of the few lavish theatres built outside of the West End.

The rear of the building received a direct hit during World War II and the interior was later repaired in 1950.

Despite this, a significant amount of the original building and its features survive. 

It remained in use as a theatre until 1962 and then as a bingo hall until 2017, but now most of the building is not open. 

The theatre is in private ownership, leased by bingo operators Merkur.

Chair of campaign group The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre David Harvey said: “Regenerating this unique building would be a game-changer in strengthening our community and supporting our local area. 

“This recognition by Historic England will help us redouble efforts to save the building for cultural use for future generations. 

“We call on all stakeholders to work together actively to save this landmark building and unlock the array of benefits it would bring.”

Pictured top: Simon Callow and Floella Benjamin