The Churchill Theatre in Bromley is celebrating its 30th birthday this year. But as reporter WILLIAM DAVIES learns it is not the first theatre to be built in the town.

THE Churchill was opened by the Prince of Wales on July 19, 1977. It took seven years to build at a cost of £1.63m.

However, the Churchill is the latest in a long history of theatres in the town.

In 1889, land was acquired in the centre of Bromley - where British Home Stores now stands - and an architect was commissioned to design an entertainment centre.

Named the Grand Hall, it had seats for 1,000 people which could be removed to reveal a dance floor which in turn could become a swimming pool.

In 1908, the hall was renamed the Lyric but it reverted back to The Grand Hall and the Electric Theatre three years later, becoming the first cinema in Bromley.

During the Second World War, the Grand Hall closed completely.

The swimming pool was used as an air raid centre and the auditorium as a warehouse for the Welfare Services.

It was finally re-opened on Boxing Day, 1947, when it was re-named the New Theatre.

A fire gutted the theatre on May 6, 1971.

All that remained were the old projection rooms, a few dressing rooms and the walls of the swimming pool.

For the next six years Bromley was to be without a professional theatre and British Home Stores was built on the old site.

However during this period work began on a new theatre on a new site.

The Churchill opened its doors to the public on July 19, 1977.

Its first show was a new musical called Mr Polly written by Lord Ted Willis and starring Roy Castle.

John Short, theatre manager of the Churchill, who has worked there since 1989, has many happy memories of the place.

The 53-year-old said: "It's been a real joy to see the Churchill progress and modernise over the years. I've met so many wonderful people."

"I remember when Ronnie Barker came to watch Ronnie Corbett in pantomime.

"When he went back to his seat after the interval, the whole audience rose as one to give him a standing ovation. He accepted it with an unassuming bow.

"That's the sort of magic which can only take place with live theatre.

Mr Short, of De Frene Road, Sydenham, added: "I've loved my time at the Churchill, which is why I've stayed so long.

"I'm excited by the wonderful shows we are now putting on."

To celebrate the anniversary the Churchill is planning a programme of 30 events which will be taking place in Bromley between July 15 and July 22. For more information about the shows, call 0870 060 6620.

  • If you have a history story for us, call William Davies on 01689 885711 or send an email to wdavies@london.newsquest.co.uk