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Appraisal

The Cambridge Theatre

Listed grade II, The Cambridge Theatre was designed by Wimperis, Simpson and Guthrie and completed in 1930. The interiors were designed by Serge Chermayeff.

The elevations to Earlham Street and Mercer Street comprise elegant, four-storey, ‘stripped-classical’, Portland Stone façades of seven bays and five bays respectively with further, slightly recessed, single bays adjacent to the splayed corner fronting The Dials. The design of the theatre was favourably received at the time of the opening, when it was thought to be very modern.

Both the interior and exterior of the theatre have recently been restored, but there is still scope for improvement of the external signage. The tall hoarding facing the Seven Dials column and long, internally illuminated box signs carried around the edge on the ground floor canopy in particular detract from the special interest and significance of the theatre and the appearance of this part of the Seven Dials Conservation Area. The original signs were composed of individual Art Deco letters outlined in red neon tubing.

A listed building of particular special architectural and historic interest, contributing to the character, appearance and significance of Seven Dials Conservation Area.

Thought should be given to a coherent re-design of all the external signs and lighting on this building, which could greatly improve the appearance of the listed building and the area.

The metal window-frames and the doors were originally painted Cambridge Blue in allusion to the theatre's name. It would be a good idea to revive this feature in place of the present black and white paint.

Relevant Guidance

Cleaning Windows Shopfront Painting Greening Doors Signs

Navigation

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Photographs

Cambridge Theatre, The Dials
Cambridge Theatre, The Dials (1930)
Cambridge Theatre The Dials (1947). Courtesy Mary Evans Picture Library.
Cambridge Theatre, Mercer Street and Monmouth Street corner and the garage, The Dials (1976). Courtesy London Metropolitan Archives.
Cambridge Theatre, The Dials (1974). Courtesy London Metropolitan Archives.

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