Date of closure: 22nd December 1997
Address (for reference only):
Gala Bingo
St John's Hill
Clapham
London
SW11 1TT
Before Gala Bingo took over, the Clapham Granada had been one of the UK’s largest theatres. Not only was it large in its 2475 seating capacity, but it was also grand in its design. 18 dressing rooms were available for visiting actors and artistes.
The theatre was opened in 1937 by the Duchess of Kent, to a band and Wurlitzer. A building of notable architecture, the exterior was in the Art Deco style created by Leslie C. Norton and H.B. Horner.
The interior was renaissance style with a great amount of wall decoration, including paintings. Like many other large urban cinemas it had its own cafe, and unusually, a car park.
The cinema closed in 1980, and became Granada Bingo, which was taken over by Gala in 1991. It only lasted another six years as a bingo hall before closing in 1998. Although it has listed building status its exterior may have its visage altered with the proposed addition of apartments suspended above the building.
By Gareth Whieldon (September 2010)
Other Lost Halls In The Area
The images below show the cinema in all its lavish finery, and of note are details such as the light fitting, and paintings on the walls. Unfortunately damage was sustained after these photographs were taken due to an illegal party on the premises.
By Gareth Whieldon (September 2010)
If you have any photos from this lost hall, be it of its interior, the staff, special events, parties, customers and more; and you’d like to share them here, please contact us to arrange adding them to the site.
