Report by James Cracknell
More than 2,500 people have signed a petition to save a historic theatre.
Plans to redevelop Intimate Theatre in Green Lanes were announced last month, but have met with significant opposition by local people.
The 80-year-old repertory theatre, now known as St Monica’s Large Hall, was the site of the first-ever play broadcast live on television. It hosted John Clements Theatre Company and among the actors to have performed there were Richard Attenborough, Roger Moore, and a young David Bowie.
The building is owned by Saint Monica’s Catholic Church. Father Mehall Lowry said in his parish newsletter: “It is proposed to build a new parish centre, one that will be a legacy for future generations.
“The new building would be energy efficient, low in maintenance, would be accessed by lift, and would be able to host multiple events at the same time.”
Intimate Theatre is one of the last remaining local theatres in London and is included in the Enfield Local Heritage List. It is still used by local dramatic societies, including Saint Monica’s Players and London Pantomimers.
In his petition to save the theatre on campaign website 38 Degrees, Garry Humphreys said: “While the parish clearly has plans to redevelop, if they see the opposition this will create they may revise their plans.”
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