Then and Now: Old posters and handbills
Archive material from Brixton's past


Brixton Theatre
Night view of the entrance to the Brixton Theatre in 1910. The theatre was destroyed by a bomb during the blitz in November 1940 and is now replaced by the Ritzy Cinema. See 'then and now' photo comparisons.

(pic: Lambeth Archives)


Brixton Theatre programmes, 1900-1938
The left image is the front page of a Brixton theatre programme for the performance of 'Rip Van Winkle' from 1900. The other program features the 1932 'Modern Morality Play', ' The Life Machine'. The play is advertised for adults only, with the program proudly boasting, 'You can now buy chocolates and cigarettes AFTER 9 o'clock!'. Private boxes were available in the theatre, priced at £1 17s 6d. (£1.87) Cheapskates could enjoy the play from the pit/stalls for only 1/- (5p).
(pic: Lambeth Archives)


Brixton Theatre programme, 3rd December 1900.
Inside page of a Brixton Theatre programme for the perfomance of 'Rip Van Winkle,' with Fred Storey in the leading role.
(pic: Lambeth Archives)




Brixton Theatre advert, May 30th, 1915
A card advertising a free Military Concert and Meeting on Sunday, May 30th 1915, featuring Ethel Bracewell, from the Lyceum Theatre. Curiously, the card positively insists that a 'Lady must be accompanied by Gentleman'!
(pic: Lambeth Archives)


Brixton Theatre advert
A 4d (2p) 'book of words' for Frederick Melville's production of the 'Sleeping Beauty' pantomime, at the Brixton Theatre, December, 1931.
(pic: Lambeth Archives)


Brixton Theatre programme, December 26th, 1938
A theatre programme of Brixton's annual pantomime 'Puss in Boots', advertising 'Two Shows Daily' at 2 and 7.30. Barclays IPA, Toby Ale and Clayton's Pure Fruit Squashes and Mineral Waters were available at all bars, and the program sold for 2d.
(pic: Lambeth Archives)




Brixton Theatre advert
Theatre programme for Brixton's annual pantomime performance of 'Puss in Boots,' 26 December 1938. Note the Carlsberg beer and Whiteways cyder adverts.


Brixton Theatre advert
Programme for the comedy play ' While Parents Sleep' by Anthony Kimmins, performed in 1938, just one year from the outbreak of World War 2.
(pic: Lambeth Archives)

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