Keywords: sutton surrey london theatre secombe outdoor THE FORMER CHURCH Secombe Theatre (named after Sir Harry Secombe) is in Cheam Road, adjacent to the Holiday Inn Hotel. The theatre was opened by Sir Harry, who lived in Sutton for over 30 years. The theatre was created in 1984 out of a former Christian Science church building dating from 1937. The main auditorium seats 396 patrons, or 343 when the orchestra pit is being used. There is a multi-purpose function room attached. The Secombe Theatre is operated together with the Charles Cryer Studio Theatre in Carshalton, formerly by the London Borough of Sutton. In 2014 Sutton Council requested bids to take over the running of the theatres, and in January 2015 the bid by the new "Sutton Theatres Trust" was given approval by the council's environment and neighbourhood committee to take over the theatres. Productions at the Secombe have ranged in content from modern productions to new twists on older, more established plays. Some productions have been produced locally, while others have come with touring groups. From time to time comedians and musicians have appeared at the theatre. For the future, the new STT plan to focus on community projects as well as classical and contemporary theatre, and big scale commercial dance and comedy events. THE FORMER CHURCH Secombe Theatre (named after Sir Harry Secombe) is in Cheam Road, adjacent to the Holiday Inn Hotel. The theatre was opened by Sir Harry, who lived in Sutton for over 30 years. The theatre was created in 1984 out of a former Christian Science church building dating from 1937. The main auditorium seats 396 patrons, or 343 when the orchestra pit is being used. There is a multi-purpose function room attached. The Secombe Theatre is operated together with the Charles Cryer Studio Theatre in Carshalton, formerly by the London Borough of Sutton. In 2014 Sutton Council requested bids to take over the running of the theatres, and in January 2015 the bid by the new "Sutton Theatres Trust" was given approval by the council's environment and neighbourhood committee to take over the theatres. Productions at the Secombe have ranged in content from modern productions to new twists on older, more established plays. Some productions have been produced locally, while others have come with touring groups. From time to time comedians and musicians have appeared at the theatre. For the future, the new STT plan to focus on community projects as well as classical and contemporary theatre, and big scale commercial dance and comedy events. |