Show Time at Tooting Granada!

Lovers of the world renowned Grade 1 listed Tooting Granada Theatre have come together again to give you an afternoon to remember at the Buzz Bingo Hall. Its all happening in the opulent 'Hall of Mirrors' modelled on the Galerie des Glaces in the Palace of Versailles, one of the eye-watering star attractions of Komisarjevsky's south London masterpiece! Known mostly for its primary use as a cinema, our illustrated talk outlines the artistes, performers and events that took place in this extraordinary location, illuminating the lives of millions of people in south London since it opened in September 1931. Its been called 'The Vegas of South London' and Tooting SW17 has always been somewhere to go for a good time. This is your invitation to join us as we take you through those golden years and relive the precious memories.

If you've attended any of our awareness events on the steps of Buzz Bingo Hall, consider this the relaxed, extended version. Wandsworth blue plaque dynamo Geoff Simmons has joined forces with the author of 'The Untold Story of Tooting Market' research-wiz Lynda Cazeaux and music-master 'Call Me Fred'. They have assembled a wonderful collection of stories to breath life into your appreciation of this glorious building and what it was like to attend a concert there in the twentieth century. These will be supported by a dazzling collection of imagery and an update on the latest names revealed on the 'Roll of Fame'. No wonder we want to put up a plaque to make all this more widely known! We've applied for permission and hopefully it will happen soon...

The Tooting Granada's status as the most spectacular and exquisitely-designed cinema space in Europe is largely well-known. Since the bingo started in1976, this has been enjoyed by millions more and allowed the building to remain open and viewed by the general public. The events that took place here in earlier decades are remembered by many older people but have not been documented for a wider audience. Who knew about the cycle races on stage, the circus with eight elephants, 'Women's Week' or the bizarre stunts to promote films?

Its just over 70 years since Frank Sinatra alighted here on the opening date of his first UK Tour. But even before Frankie the brightest stars in the firmament were lighting up Mitcham Road, a conveyer belt from the London Palladium organised by John Roberts brought to Tooting the likes of Danny Kaye, Carmen Miranda, Lena Horne, The Ink Spots and The Andrews Sisters. As the age of rock and roll dawned, Gene Vincent and Jerry Lee Lewis were followed by Little Richard and Sam Cooke performing on the same bill in October 1962 with a young Billy Preston on keyboards. Perhaps no story resonates more than 1st June 1963, the night The Beatles accompanied by Roy Orbison and Gerry and The Pacemakers kicked off the swinging sixties when they came to play The Granada and crashed out in Trevelyan Road. A ticket to see that lot cost the kids about the same as the price of a pint today. The following year, new Summerstown arrival Mark Feld (soon to become Bolan) took time out from flipping burgers across the road in Wimpy to see The Ronettes support the fledgling Rolling Stones. As the mods took over from the rockers, we welcomed The Kinks and The Hollies. The Beach Boys might have brought their Californian Good Vibrations but The Walker Brothers broke teenage Tooting hearts when they announced their break up. Jimi Hendrix, soon to be powered by the mighty WEM sound originated by Charlie Watkins from Tooting Market helped heal the wounds on the last night of his spellbinding first UK Tour.

Geoff Simmons runs a community history project in south west London called Summerstown182 alongside his job as a graphic designer. This involves Guided Walks and Talks, working with schools and putting up plaques. Over the last ten years a trail of these have emerged along the Wandle Valley, shining a light on some of the lesser-known history in this area. Have a look on Geoff's blog for more details or follow @summerstown182 on social media.

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Host or Publisher Geoff Simmons, Summerstown182