Bob Hope Intervention
During the late 1970s several commercial concerns expressed an interest in the building for such purposes as a video recording studio, a sports centre and a multi-entertainment complex. None of these came to fruition for one reason or another. However, in 1979, the owner of the theatre wanted to sell the land and so would not renew the lease and without funds to find another base, members were widely resigned to the closure of both the building and the company.
By chance, Bob Hope, who was born in Craigton Road, Eltham, was in the UK to promote the Bob Hope British Classic Golf Tournament when he heard about the plight of the theatre.
Hope resolved to do what he could to help, and raised £58,000 through the 1980 and 1981 golf tournaments.
Bob Hope was assisted my celebrity friends in fund-raising for the theatre. While negotiations for the purchase of the building continued, Dickie Henderson (Vice Chairman of the Bob Hope British Golf Classic) gave a benefit performance of his one-man show at the theatre to raise funds towards refurbishment. This was a tremendous evening of entertainment, enhanced by the presence in the audience of several star personalities, including Max Wall.
In November 1982, the purchase of the freehold was completed and Eltham Little Theatre was renamed The Bob Hope Theatre.
In September 1982, Bob Hope became co-honorary president of Eltham Little Theatre Company along with Former President of the United States Gerald Ford, who was heavily involved with the Bob Hope Classic Golf Tournament.
In August 1991, Bob donated £28,000 from the Benefit Performance he staged at the London Palladium to raise money directly for the theatre.
Read more about this topic: The Bob Hope Theatre
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