The magnificent Streatham Hill Theatre, opened its doors on 20th November 1929. With the slogan, “West End shows at Provincial prices”. The theatre provided numerous performances of productions, which went on tour from the West End theatres at a competitive price. The capacity of the theatre was 2,523, which placed it just above the Coliseum, Covent Garden and Drury Lane. The theatre put on a broad range of shows, which included plays, musicals, opera, ballet, variety and pantomime.
In the 30 odd years the theatre was operational, there were nearly 1,300 shows and it attracted some of the greatest performers of the day and aspiring young actors who became household names later in their careers.The Streatham Hill Theatre together with the affiliated Golders Green Hippodrome became main theatre venues in London.
An impressive list of Dames (excluding the Pantomime Dames) have been in productions at the Streatham Hill Theatre.
Dame Edith Evans (1888-1976). Her association to Streatham goes back to 1910 when, with the Streatham Shakespeare Players she played Viola in Twelfth Night and in 1912 Beatrice in Much Ado about Nothing. Her role as Viola at the Streatham Town Hall was where William Poel discovered her and launched her career. Edith Evans appeared in Oscar Wilde’s, The Importance of Ernest at the Streatham Hill Theatre in October 1939, playing Lady Bracknell and is best known for the interchange with Jack when she exclaims “a Handbag”. The star-studded cast included Sir John Gielgud, Jack Hawkins and two other Dames, Margaret Rutherford and Peggy Ashcroft.
Dame Margot Fonteyne (1919-1991). The Royal Ballet came to Streatham for a fortnight season in September 1959. Led by Margot Fonteyne and Michael Somes, five leading ballerinas and a company of over 60. Two full-length ballets and a series of shorter works were performed.
Dame Margaret Rutherford (1882-1972). Born within the Historic Parish of Streatham, off Bedford Hill, in Dornton Road Balham. A talented pianist as well as actress overshadowed by family tragedy, she shot to fame in the film adaptation of Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit. She will be remembered to many as Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple. She appeared at the Streatham Hill Theatre in 1939 in Spring Meeting as Bijou Furze, Little ladyship, Goodness How Sadand While Parents Sleep.
Dame Peggy Ashcroft (1907- 1991). In 1930 a young 22 year old began her career in Jew Suss at the Streatham Hill Theatre with the part of Naemi who kills herself rather than surrender to her father’s ducal patron. She won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for a Passage to India (1984).
Dame Anna Neagle (1904-1986). In 1931 she starred in the West End musical, Stand Up and Sing with Jack Buchanan and in May 1932 the musical was performed at the Streatham Hill Theatre. In 1949 she was awarded the International Top Box Office Star.
Dame Flora Robson (1902-1984). In 1954 she was in the 16-week tour of No Escape, which was performed at the Streatham Theatre in October 1954.
Dame Sybil Thorndike (1882-1976). In 1920 she appeared as Desdemona in Othello. The cast included Peggy Ashcroft, Sir Ralph Richardson and Alastair Sim in his first stage show. Paul Robeson played the title role and was the first black actor to play the part on the London stage.
Dame June Whitfield (1925-2018). Appeared at the Theatre as a child actor.
Dame Sheila Hancock ( 1933-). In 1961 she appeared in the pre-West End tryout of the revue One Over the Eight, which held a week-long engagement.
