Welcome to the next installment of the Celebrating London Theatres series. Today is the turn for venues beginning with “E”.
EartH
EartH (Evolutionary Arts Hackney) was planned as the Hackney Arts Centre but changed its name when it opened in 2018. It styles itself as “a multi-arts space for the 21st century” and is located in the former Savoy cinema building in Dalston.
Edward Alderton
The Edward Alderton Theatre (EAT) is a non-professional performance venue in Bexleyheath. Founded in 1976, it seats 74 and is based behind the Learning and Enterprise College on Brampton Road.
Erith Playhouse
The Erith Playhouse opened as a theatre in 1949, in the former Oxford Cinema building – following renovations in 1972 the outside was demolished but the old cinema auditorium from 1913 was retained.
The Playhouse is situated between two pubs. Even though the theatre now has its own bar, interval bells still ring in the pubs as they did historically to allow audiences to nip out for a drink.
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Etcetera
The Etcetera Theatre is located above the Oxford Arms pub on Camden High Street. Founded in 1986 it is a popular fringe venue for theatre and comedy, seating 42. The Etcetera is owned by Zena Barrie and Michelle Flower and is one of key venues in the annual Camden Fringe.
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Eventim Apollo
The Apollo is based in the former Gaumont Palace cinema in Hammersmith. It has had several names over the years due to commercial sponsorship but is still popularly known as the Hammersmith Apollo, or for those with longer memories of its days as an iconic music venue, the Hammersmith Odeon.
A Grade II* listed building renovated in 2013, the Apollo hosts concerts, comedy and musicals.
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Exchange
The Exchange in Twickenham is a 320-seat theatre owned by Richmond Council, and operated by St Mary’s University. It opened in 2017 and sits opposite Twickenham station. It is managed by Stuart Hobday.
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