Then and Now: Brixton Theatre and Opera House
Photographic comparisons of old and modern views of Lambeth


c. 1905 Scene taken from the corner of Brixton Oval and Coldharbour Lane showing the front and side elevation of the Brixton Theatre.

Opened in September 1896, the Brixton Theatre and Opera House put on productions to rival London's West End, with popular Christmas Pantomimes every year.

Christmas productions included Bilberry of Tilbury, 1897, Robinson Crusoe, 1897, Rip Van Winkle, 1900, The Sleeping Beauty, 1931 and Puss in Boots, 1938.

» See old theatre programmes

(pic: Lambeth Archives)


Dec 2003 Not a trace remains of Brixton Theatre, with a sympathetically-designed extension to the adjacent Ritzy Cinema filling the space. This houses a fine cafe and bar.

The Tate Library (to the right) happily survived the Blitz with the building remaining in excellent repair.

Note the 'Crime Stoppers' police bus in front of the library.

» Lost theatres of Brixton




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