Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Catford Broadway, London SE6 4RU
Box Office: 020 8690 0002
www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk

Opened in 1932, The Broadway Theatre has a long and colouful history. In 1932, the main auditorium provided a seated capacity of 1,132 (744 downstairs and 388 in the circle) or, with the seats removed, room for 1,000 dancers. The Compton Organ was the 1930s state of the art equivalent of high tech keyboards today. Along with the halls, offices and shops were created in the Town Hall Chambers, which form the curved part of the building. Aside from the obvious 1930s art deco design, there are also Gothic influences, which were introduced in order that the new building harmonised architecturally with the then existing Town Hall next door. In 1993 English Heritage acknowledged the architectural importance of the building, awarding a Grade II listed status to the entire Theatre complex including the Town Hall Chambers.

Following its major refurbishment in 2002, the Theatre received its current name – The Broadway Theatre. The Theatre presents a wide range of popular star attractions alongside a host of community events, providing educational programmes and shows that touch all ages, from primary schools at the numerous children’s shows, schools concerts and panto, through to the elderly at special midweek matinee presentations. Every year audiences enjoy the widest variety of productions, from multi-cultural performances to pantomime, from traditional music to rock concerts, from children’s shows to Caribbean comedy and from conventions to Sky Sports presentations. Further programming initiatives have been taken with the re-introduction of classical music, ballet and world music.