History

 

Dating back to the mid 16 th century, the Bull theatre has been a much loved venue and a vital
part of the community. Having survived two world wars, repeated threats of closure and demolition the building has undergone a number of changes over the years. Purchased from Benskins Brewery in 1961, the historic site has taken the form of a pub, a Civil Arts centre and a Magistrates court.

In 1975 the building was transformed into The Old Bull Arts Centre, a thriving and artistic
cultural hub for local arts organizations and the only successful professional arts centre in the
borough, however in 2004 the local council switched its funding from the Bull and constructed the much larger venue of Arts Depot in Finchley. With concern that the community may lose its cherished arts venue, a Save The Bull group was launched, resulting in the local community organizations championing former actress and journalist Susi Earnshaw (LRWCMD; LRAM, LLAM, IPA) to relocate her full time stage school into the building.

Now in its 45 th year, the beloved building is home to the Susi Earnshaw Theatre School
during the day and available to the wider community on evenings and weekends. In the course of its existence the playhouse has been a creative platform for upcoming theatre practitioners and emerging artists. People who have performed at the Bull Theatre include the late Grammy Awards singer Amy Winehouse, Alexandra Burke, Lee Thompson (Madness), Aimie Atkinson (Pretty Woman), Stephen Ashfield. Junior Giscomb, Jeffery Daniels.