Intimate (London)

• Theatre ID
  1331
• Built / Converted
  1931
• Dates of use
  • 1934: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre (amateur theatre and hall)
• Address
  Green Lane, Palmers Green, Enfield, London, N13 4DH, England

Details

The Intimate Theatre was built by Father Gallagher, a priest of St Monica’s and a builder who had taken the cloth late in life. It was called St Monica’s Hall, the name by which it is known today. Built in 1931, it opened as a theatre in 1934, and in 1937 became a full-time repertory theatre. Professional theatre continued until 1987, when use became amateur. The exterior is that of a red brick Church Hall with stone facings, and a high roof. This is fronted by a theatre entrance with a canopy, with three leaded lights over, cartouche ‘Deus per Omnia’, and ante-rooms either side with double leaded windows at ground level. Steps up to double mahogany doors lead to a spacious foyer and stairs to the balcony. The balcony front is panelled wood, probably maple. Downstairs the seats are now moveable to provide a floor space for alternative use. At the side of the auditorium at the stage end is the entrance to the bar, decorated with a curious mix of memorabilia of church events and posters from professional repertory days. The stage has a delightfully ornamental proscenium. Sunbursts at either corner are complemented by plaster urns, each with a lamp, on either side at stage level, and English roses at intervals form an interesting frame with a curtained crest at the centre. The safety curtain from 1935 bears the masks of Comedy and Tragedy and figures from classical drama. Flying is very limited, and cloths are rolled; get-in is through the main entrance. Four dressing rooms, the old band room, now a dressing room, and chorus room to the rear and above the bar area complete the surprise of a charming theatre in ecclesiastical surroundings.

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• Other names
  St Monica's Hall, St Monica's Hall
• Events
  • Owner/Management: St Monica's, owners
  • 1931 Design/Construction:
    • Gallagher - Architect
  • 1934 Use: continuing
  • 1972 Owner/Management: GM Productions Ltd, lessees
  • 1986 Owner/Management: Rockstead Productions Ltd, lessees
  • 1989 Alteration: stalls seating and orchestra pit removed; moveable seating installed downstairs (architect unknown).
• Capacities
  • Later: 1972: 458
  • Current: 435
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Stage type
  • Pros flat
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Depth: 14ft Width SL: 16ft SR: 19ft
  • Proscenium width: 27ft
  • Height to grid: 22ft 6in
  • Orchestra pit: 1995: None Original (1934): 12-14