Dame Judi Dench To Formally Reopen Fairfield Halls’ Ashcroft Playhouse

by Liz Seyi Digital marketing manager

We don’t know about you, but for our team here at ISLAND, it feels like it’s been far too long since Croydon’s legendary arts centre, Fairfield Halls, was last open to the public. Indeed, the much-loved venue closed for a £30 million redevelopment way back in July 2016, so we’re delighted to hear that it’ll be reopening next month after its significant overhaul.

Indeed, there will be a very special guest present for the formal reopening of the venue’s Ashcroft Playhouse on Monday 16^th September, in the form of Dame Judi Dench.

A celebration of the iconic Peggy Ashcroft

Croydon-born Dame Peggy Ashcroft first opened the Playhouse, previously known as the Ashcroft Theatre, on 5^th November 1962. Dame Peggy passed away in 1991, and indeed, it was on a previous visit to Fairfield Halls in 1993 that Dame Judi unveiled a display commemorating the life of her “dear friend”, including a painting, photography and an Evening Standard award.

At the September event, Dame Judi will unveil a giant commemorative photo mosaic artwork, commissioned from artist Helen Marshall for The People’s Picture. The image of Dame Peggy will consist of hundreds of images of Croydon residents, who are invited to upload photos to the project online.

Dench commented: “I’m delighted to be returning to Croydon’s Fairfield Halls to celebrate the life and career of my dear friend Peggy Ashcroft, and I’m thrilled to reopen the Ashcroft Playhouse in her honour. I hope new generations visiting the venue will discover her legacy and be inspired by it.”

Dame Judi will also read a specially commissioned poem at the event, in addition to participating in a Q&A hosted by broadcaster John Hannam and theatre critic Michael Billington OBE.

Exciting times to be looking for properties in Croydon

While Croydon has long been rich in some of the finest arts and culture that London and the UK have to offer, Fairfield Halls is an especially distinguished venue, having hosted a series of celebrated acts since its opening, ranging from the Beatles, the Who and Genesis to Kenny Rogers, Chuck Berry and Stevie Wonder.

We therefore couldn’t be more excited about the impending reopening, which will see Fairfield Halls become one of the largest arts centres in the UK.

To find out more about Fairfield Halls’ first season line-up after its reopening, as well as Dame Judi Dench’s appearance, simply visit www.fairfield.co.uk. As for if you are currently on the lookout for Properties In Croydon, why not register your interest in ISLAND’s remaining penthouses and apartments online today, so that we can keep you updated with the latest availability information?

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Created on Feb 19th 2020 00:49. Viewed 227 times.

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