Albany (London)

• Theatre ID
  3505
• Built / Converted
  1982
• Dates of use
  • 1982 - 0: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Arts Centre
• Address
  5 Douglas Way, Deptford, Lewisham, London, SE8 4AG, England
• Website
  • The Albany

Details

The 1899 Albany Institute was made famous in the 1970s (as the Albany Empire) by its touring fringe theatre group, and their support of the Rock Against Racism campaign. The Empire was destroyed by fire in 1978 and later demolished for road widening, but the building was replaced in 1982 by the new purpose built centre in Douglas Way. Established as a community theatre and music venue, funding issues during the 1990s lead to closure for a time. In 2001 the National Theatre's education department took over the building for a four year project, during which time the theatre and digital facilities were refurbished. Since 2004 The Albany has again developed its own arts programme, and as Deptford's performing arts centre it is home to fourteen resident companies who provide a variety of community activities. The central performance space is a flexible in-the-round theatre with a 300-seat capacity (500 standing). There are two smaller performance spaces (50 and 60-seat), along with the cafe, rehearsal rooms, workshops and other ancillary spaces.

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• Other names
  Albany Institute, Albany Empire
• Events
  • 1982 - 0 Design/Construction:
    • Howell Killick Partridge & Amis - Architect
  • 2001 - 0 Alteration: refurbished (architect unknown).
  • 1899 - 0 Design/Construction: as Albany Institute.
  • 1982 - 0 Use: continuing
• Capacities
  • Current: 300