Barking's Broadway Theatre, a beloved east London venue that served as an air raid shelter during the Blitz, is set for a phased comeback after two years of closure. Council leaders voted unanimously last week to appoint Finchley-based artsdepot as its new operator, with a partial programme planned from 2027 and a full reopening in 2028.
Closure due to crumbling concrete
The Broadway suddenly closed in January 2024 after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was discovered in the building. RAAC, a structural menace that has affected public buildings and schools nationwide, will be completely removed from the theatre by November 2026, according to the council.
A unique history rooted in WWII
The theatre has a remarkable past. Construction began in 1937 as part of the Barking Town Hall complex, but war broke out before the auditorium was finished. By 1939, only the basement existed, which was immediately used as a public air raid shelter and gas decontamination centre. The theatre above didn't open until 1961, taking 24 years to complete. Audiences today sit above a piece of Blitz history.
Sixties pop and modern community hub
In the 1960s, the venue hosted British pop rockers the Tremeloes, known for hits like 'Do You Love Me' and 'Silence Is Golden'. After a mid-2000s refit, it shared its walls with Barking and Dagenham College's performing arts school, offering live comedy, music, circus, and family shows to the borough without requiring a trip into central London.
What's next for the Broadway
Exact opening shows remain under wraps, but the council and artsdepot are expected to announce details soon. The theatre is located at Barking, IG11 7LS. The phased reopening marks a new chapter for this historic venue, blending wartime heritage with a vibrant cultural future.
