Lewisham Theatre And Department Of Environmental Service

The Lewisham Theatre and Department of Environmental Services is a theatre and office building constructed between 1931 and 1932 by Arthur John Hope of the firm Bradshaw, Gass and Hope. It was built as an extension to the old Town Hall, which was originally erected in 1874-75 and later demolished in the 1950s. The building was designed for various uses, including dancing, wrestling, concerts, and minor theatrical performances.

This curved stone structure features a hipped tiled roof with a two-stage domed octagonal cupola topped by a weathervane. It stands four storeys tall, with the third floor set back and adorned with triple arched windows separated by pilasters. The other floors have top-opening casements with small panes, arched to the second floor, also divided by pilasters that display reliefs of sea creatures. The central open pediment is flanked by heraldic deer and bears, representing the Lewisham crest, and there is a stone flat canopy at the ground floor.

To the left, the theatre section includes a central full-height curved bay with three tall arched windows, accompanied by nine smaller windows on the third floor, divided by shields featuring heraldic beasts. There are two additional bays on either side, with a flat canopy and double doors at the centre. The sides have two curved doorcases with a central roundel. The rear entrance features a blank wall with a blank panel, flanked by griffins and a shield, with gargoyles positioned below the parapet.

Inside, the theatre boasts a complete Art Deco interior. The staircases are equipped with metal handrails, panels featuring metal scrollwork, and octagonal metal light fittings. The Function Room includes lattice panels and panelling, while the vaulted corridor has gilded ceiling apertures. The Concert Hall showcases gothic-style oak panelling and four-centred surrounds for the radiators. The auditorium features a curved roof with coffered panels, giant round-headed arches, ten original metal and glass lanterns, a carved wooden gallery, and a curved proscenium arch flanked by panels with shields, heraldic beasts, and metal scrollwork grilles. Additionally, there is an original Compton organ with consoles.