A Brief History of The Bob Hope Theatre, Eltham
During the early years it was without a permanent home but early in 1946, by arrangement with the Parochial Church Council, ELT found a home in Eltham Parish Hall (the current Theatre) on an annual lease basis.
In May 1946 Eltham Little Theatre was registered as a Company, limited by guarantee. The first production, "Hedda Gabler", was staged by an affiliated society, The Kerwin Players, in 1946.
During the period from 1946 to 1950 there were some 600 individual members and 25 affiliated societies, and a production was staged every other weekend throughout the season.
The Theatre's management endeavoured to purchase the building. However, in 1957 it became clear that the asking price was beyond reach despite constant fund-raising efforts.
By 1979 funds were low. The Theatre membership was almost resigned to closure. The lease was not renewed, the premises were up for sale........
and then Bob Hope stepped in !!