The Clapham Grand

The Grand was established in 1900 by some of the most popular performers of the time. Launched at the height of the Music Hall, since then a cinema, a bingo hall and a nightclub, The Grand has always remained true to its original aim: to entertain. A Palace of Varieties. This was what the residents of Clapham and Battersea were promised when the New Grand Theatre opened its doors for the first time on 26 November 1900. The first evening set expectations. Alongside musicians and comedians, the audience witnessed a family of acrobats, an ensemble of performing ponies, and a man better known for juggling banjos than for playing them. The New Grand Theatre quickly established itself as one of London’s premier venues, attracting the stars of its day. Favourite performers included the scandalous Marie Lloyd and the diminutive Little Tich dancing in oversized clown boots. Even a young Charlie Chaplin graced our stage. As future heroes like Chaplin moved to Hollywood, the Grand Theatre, as it became known in 1927, followed the trend, setting up a screen alongside the stage. By 1931 the venue was a full-time cinema. What could you have seen on the very first night? Laurel & Hardy chasing a stray goat.