History
Eltham Little Theatre (ELT) Company was formed on 12 November 1943 to promote drama, music and allied arts in Eltham and its immediate vicinity. During the early years it was without a permanent home but early in 1946, ELT was able to arrange an annual lease on Eltham Parish Hall (the current Theatre). Eltham Parish Hall (built in 1910) was unavailable earlier as it was being used as a military furniture store for the duration of World War II.
During the period from 1948 to 1950 there were some 600 individual members and 25 affiliated societies, and a production was staged every other weekend throughout the season.
Throughout this time the theatre’s management aimed eventually to purchase the building. Members were continually engaged in fund-raising activities to that end. By 1957 however, it became apparent that the asking price was beyond reach, and a sub-committee memorandum was submitted to the Borough Council with a recommendation that the building be acquired as an artistic centre for Eltham. While rejecting the recommendation, the Borough awarded the theatre a grant in aid, towards running expenses, in the sum of £150. This grant, increased to keep step with inflation continued until the 1980s.
Read more about this topic: The Bob Hope Theatre
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