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Grand Theatre, Woolwich
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Grand Theatre, Woolwich
Promotional postcard showing the facade of the Grand Theatre Woolwich. Considering the size of its employed population and the substantial army presence, Woolwich was surprisingly late in acquiring a large theatre to rival the ageing Royal and the quasi-theatrical concert room (later reconstructed as a theatre) in the Royal Artillery barracks. There was a proposal, before the turn of the century, for a Grand Theatre in Moorish style in Beresford Square by Frank Matcham, but this was never built. Crewes Grand Theatre and Opera House, opened by Sir Henry Irving in 1900, was a little apart from the busiest area of town, on a site adjoining the Town Hall. It presented drama, musical comedy, opera and, later, variety. Taken over by ABC in 1935, it was closed in 1939 and demolished for the building of a new cinema, but this was not completed (as the Regal) until 1955. Although construction commenced, war prevented the W R Glen designed ABC from being completed. As a shell, it was requisitioned for storage. In 1955, it was completed to re-designed plans of C J Foster. Closed in 1982, it was purchased by the Borough of Greenwich who planned to re-open it as a live theatre. However, it was eventually leased and opened as a nightclub in 1985. Nightclub use ceased due to loss of licence, and in 2010 the building was sold to a church group. The church backed out, however, and in June 2011 the building was sold to a community group who re-opening the building as a cinema, theatre and music venue. In 2014 planning permission was granted for the theatres demolition and redevelopment. The theatre closed on 10 April 2015. Date: circa 1900
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Media ID 14250727
© The Michael Diamond Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
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This vintage print captures the grandeur of the Grand Theatre in Woolwich, a long-awaited addition to the bustling town. Despite its large population and military presence, Woolwich was surprisingly late in acquiring a theater that could rival the aging Royal and other smaller venues. Architect Frank Matcham had proposed a magnificent Moorish-style Grand Theatre in Beresford Square before the turn of the century, but sadly it never came to fruition. Finally, in 1900, Sir Henry Irving opened Crewes Grand Theatre and Opera House on a site adjacent to the Town Hall. This impressive establishment showcased drama, musical comedy, opera, and later variety shows. However, its fate took several twists over time - ABC took over in 1935 only for it to be closed during World War II and used as storage due to incomplete construction plans. In 1955, after much delay caused by war efforts and redesigns by C. J Foster from W. R Glen's original plans; The Regal cinema was completed on this site instead. It operated until 1982 when it was purchased by Greenwich Borough with intentions of reopening as a live theater. Eventually leased out as a nightclub from 1985 onwards until losing its license. After being sold multiple times throughout history including an unsuccessful church group purchase attempt; In June 2011 it found new owners who transformed it into a cinema venue along with hosting theatrical performances and music events. Sadly though planning permission for demolition and redevelopment was granted in 2014 leading to closure on April 10th of 2015 marking an end to an era filled with entertainment within those historic walls.
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