Churchill Theatre

The Churchill Theatre stands in Bromley, a borough of south-east London. Designed by the local architect’s department, it follows the style of European opera houses with a large stage and deep workshops below. The building sits on a hillside, hiding its lower levels and giving the auditorium an underground feel. Steps lead down from the foyer to the seating area, while the theatre overlooks Church House Gardens and the Library Gardens. Winston Churchill’s name was chosen for the theatre when it opened in 1977. The Prince of Wales attended the inauguration, and the theatre seats 781 people. Construction took seven years and cost £1.63 million. It has been run by different theatre groups over time, most recently by Trafalgar Entertainment. Bromley Council once offered the building’s freehold for sale, but later accepted an offer after talks with the current operator. Inside, the auditorium has tiered seating arranged for good views from every seat. The stage is wide, with space for large productions and behind-the-scenes work. The foyer opens onto the library gardens, where visitors can walk or sit before or after shows. The theatre’s hillside setting keeps the lower floors out of sight, making the entrance appear modest despite the size within.