Catford’s Broadway Theatre has announced it will reopen next month after a two-year closure and upgrade featuring a new bar, updated seating and improved accessibility.

On February 12 the theatre will be reopening its doors for the first time since it closed in 2020 due to Covid restrictions.

During that time Lewisham Council invested in improving the Grade II listed building and is set to unveil its new interior to the public next month.

READ MORE: Swan Lake and The Nutcracker to show at the Churchil Theatre this January 

The opening night will feature a mix of live music and performances to mark the relaunch of the building that celebrated its 90th birthday last year.

The restoration included upgrading the seating, the installation of a new bar area, improved accessibility facilities and new digital signage for the front of the building.

Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr James Walsh, said: “Our improvements will deliver a more inclusive and enjoyable theatre experience for both our fantastic audiences and visiting productions.

“The theatre will be a place where people from all communities feel welcome to share the joys of live performance, culture and arts.”

He added: “We’re at the beginning of a new chapter and fresh new era for The Broadway and we cannot wait to welcome people back.”

The theatre will host a line-up of comedy acts, which Lewisham Council claims is very much at the heart of the theatre’s programme.

Tickets have already been released ahead of the theatre’s reopening next month, including a Valentine’s Day Comedy Special on opening night and the award-winning Scummy Mummies later in February.

The theatre will be partnering with new artists to continue to create inclusive spaces for the community.

Lewisham Council says that the theatre will particularly focus on black and global majority theatre, and theatre to provide opportunities for young people.

The theatre recently announced Nouveau Riche as its newest associate artist, which recently celebrated a sell-out run of their latest performance at The Royal Court.

 

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Artistic director at Nouveau Riche, Ryan Calais Cameron, said: “I’m from Catford and grew up with The Broadway on my doorstep. This is like a homecoming for me.

“I’ve always loved theatre but it didn’t seem like a career option for someone like me. There was a lack of representation back then.

“What we want to do is inspire a whole new generation of theatre artists and make the artform accessible to a whole new audience.

"My younger self would be so proud!”

You can purchase tickets online now at broadwaytheatre.org.uk for upcoming performances beginning from February 12.