Catford theatre to reopen next month

Catford’s Broadway Theatre will reopen in February following a £7m refurbishment project.

The works have included upgraded seating, a new bar area, improved access and facilities for those with restricted mobility and new digital signage.

The refurbishment, funded by Lewisham Council’s capital programme, began last January and was undertaken to “safeguard the history and future” of the theatre, according to Lewisham Council Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure James-J Walsh.

“Our investment ensures that new generations benefit from the institution and opportunity it brings,” 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.”

Broadway Theatre was closed throughout Lewisham’s tenure as London Borough of Culture but plans to place a central role in future legacy projects, with a focus on championing Black and Global Majority theatre and opportunities for young people.

Theatre group Nouveau Riche have been announced as the theatre’s newest Associate Artists.

“What we want to do is inspire a whole new generation of theatre artists and make the artform accessible to a whole new audience,” Nouveau Riche Artistic Director Ryan Calais Cameron said.