Spotlight On: New Wimbledon Theatre

An iconic landmark in Wimbledon Town Centre for over 100 years, New Wimbledon Theatre was forced to close last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and has recently re-opened with a stellar line-up of performances including musicals, comedy, family entertainment, dance, drama and their upcoming legendary annual pantomime.

The theatre is also home to the Studio, where you can watch epic entertainment from new writers, comedians and producers in an intimate setting. Offering a wide range of performances to enjoy up close and personal, from comedy to drama and three topical new shows from hot writers this season.

We chatted with Nick Parr, Theatre Director, to find out more about their big return!

Tell us a little bit about New Wimbledon Theatre and the Studio.
The New Wimbledon Theatre opened on Boxing Day 1910 with our first ever panto, Jack and Jill. With over 1,600 seats, we’ve welcomed some of the biggest stars of stage and screen over the years. We’ve also become a popular filming location, and you may spot us in some of your favourite films and TV shows. The Studio is a great 80 seat black box theatre where we are able to host the best in comedy, new writing and our very own Fringe festival #FromTheFringe which will return in 2022.

How does it feel to re-open after such a long time?
It’s great to be back, we believe this is the longest closure the theatre has ever gone through – 503 days. It first closed during WW2 for a brief period around 1940, and then again when there was a change in management. We’ve got a great programme of shows, bringing Wimbledon the best of the West End in the main house, and some great new writing in the Studio with our Premieres season. The team here can’t wait to get back to doing what we do best.

What upcoming shows are a must-see?
We have a wealth of shows direct from the West End including Jersey Boys, School of Rock and Dreamgirls. We will also be rocking out with Bat Out of Hell and We Will Rock You.

What can we expect from this year’s panto?
Lots of laughs! Shane Richie stars as Dick Whittington and we cannot wait to have panto back after missing it in 2020. The ultimate magical pantomime adventure.

How have things changed since Covid-19?
We are operating paperless with e-tickets becoming the norm. There has been no change in capacity and we have been so pleased to welcome our audiences back in a safe way. To ensure the continued safety of our visitors and staff, currently, all attendees over the age of 18 will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 status to gain entry to the venue. You can find out more on our website.

 

Check out our What’s On pages for more performances and shows by New Wimbledon Theatre and remember to support our local arts in their return. #LoveLocal 

Wimbledon’s Rainbow Crossing Returns!

Wimbledon’s Rainbow Crossing Gets A New Look!

The UK’s first rainbow crossing was created in Wimbledon Town Centre in 2019 by Merton Council and Love Wimbledon BID. After a short break, the crossing has returned with a slightly different look and even more colour.

Situated outside New Wimbledon Theatre, the crossing, which acts as a symbol to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, now features an updated ‘Progress Pride’ flag to include representation for black and trans pride. Delivered by Merton Council, this will be the first rainbow crossing in London with the new design – the chevron of black and brown stripes to represent people of colour, with blue, pink and white stripes to represent trans people. The white also symbolises those who have been lost to HIV/AIDS, and the chevron points to the right to show forward movement, indicating progress.

The crossing has been relocated to a new location 50m west of The Broadway, after the entrance space outside the theatre was extended to create a new public space.

As well as providing a welcoming diversity message, the crossing offers colourful joy to schoolchildren, shoppers and culture-lovers who are passing by. It acts as a celebratory reminder for Wimbledon’s first LGBTQ+ bar CMYK, home to great queer DJs and drag entertainment located just a brief walk away from the crossing.

Helen Clark Bell, Chief Executive of the Love Wimbledon BID, commented:

We’re very glad to see the rainbow crossing return to Wimbledon, with a new and more inclusive design to represent the broader LGBTQ+ community. As well as creating a warm welcome to all, the crossing contributes to the growing arts and cultural scene in Wimbledon and is an absolute joy to see.

Merton Council delivered the crossing with FM Conway Contractors.

To find more hidden gems in Wimbledon’s cultural scene, including innovative street art and architectural secrets, click here.