Croydon Clocktower opened in 1993. Described by Time Out as ‘The Jewel in Croydon's crown', the Clocktower makes use of a gorgeous Victorian building to present a range of music, dance, film and theatre.
In the middle of Croydon's artistic quarter, performances take place in the wonderfully atmospheric Braithwaite Hall which was originally designed and constructed as a reference and lending library.
The hall has a grade II listed interior with an open hammer-beamed roof rising an impressive forty-three feet above the oak floor, the wood panelled walls are ringed by a minstrel's gallery, lined with leather bound books. Beautiful stained-glass windows complete this unique venue's superb ambience.
It also has a superb boutique cinema. Named after the Croydon-born director of cinematic masterpieces including Lawrence of Arabia and Brief Encounter, the David Lean Cinema is Croydon's only independent cinema. Programmed by the Picturehouse it is an intimate, air-conditioned oasis where the most popular films aren't necessarily blockbusters and where a well-crafted script and skilful cinematography are valued as highly as a pretty face and the latest special effects.