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Coordinates: 51°28′40″N 0°01′39″W / 51.4777°N 0.0276°W / 51.4777; -0.0276
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{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox theatre
{{Infobox venue
|name = The Albany
|name = The Albany
|image = Albany Theatre in Deptford.jpg
|image = Albany Theatre in Deptford.jpg
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|location = [[Deptford]]<br />[[London]], {{postcode|SE|14}}<br />United Kingdom
|location = [[Deptford]]<br />[[London]], {{postcode|SE|14}}<br />United Kingdom
|designation =
|designation =
|coordinates = {{coord|51.4777|-0.0276|type:landmark|display=inline}}
|coordinates = {{coord|51.4777|-0.0276|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
|architect =
|architect =
|owner =
|owner =
|capacity = 300
|capacity = 500
|type =
|type =
|opened =
|opened = 1899 (original building)
|yearsactive =
|yearsactive =
|rebuilt =
|rebuilt = 1982 (new building)
|closed =
|closed =
|othernames = Albany Empire
|othernames = Albany Empire
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'''The Albany''' is a multi-purpose arts centre in [[Deptford]], south-east London.
'''The Albany''' is a multi-purpose arts centre in [[Deptford]], south-east London.


Facilities include a flexible performance space holding up to 300 seated or 600 standing and a bar, two studio theatres, a performance cafe and rehearsal / meeting rooms. The Albany currently hosts a varied programme of events including music, spoken word, theatre, club nights, and children's shows. Several arts and community organisations are based at the Albany including spoken-word promoters [[Apples & Snakes]] and Heart n Soul, who provide opportunities for artists with learning disabilities.
Facilities include a flexible performance space holding up to 300 seated or 500 standing and a bar, two studio theatres, a performance cafe and rehearsal / meeting rooms. The Albany currently hosts a varied programme of events including music, spoken word, theatre, club nights, and children's shows. Several arts and community organisations are based at the Albany including spoken-word promoters [[Apples & Snakes]] and Heart n Soul, who provide opportunities for artists with learning disabilities.


== History ==
== History ==
The original Albany Institute was opened in 1899 by its namesake, the [[Princess Helena of Waldeck and Pyrmont|Duchess of Albany]]. A daughter-in-law of [[Queen Victoria]], the Duchess was an active patron of the Deptford Fund - a project founded to help women secure employment away from the dangerous local trades in the slaughterhouses. The Fund soon expanded its scope and the Institute was built to house the various activities that supported and involved a local population with high levels of poverty and deprivation.
The Albany was originally established as The Deptford Fund in 1894 as a philanthropical group aimed at assisting the local community that had suffered since the closure of the dock in 1869. The fund took on a physical home when the purpose-built "Albany Institute" was opened in 1899 by its namesake, the [[Princess Helena of Waldeck and Pyrmont|Duchess of Albany]]. A daughter-in-law of [[Queen Victoria]], the Duchess was an active patron of the Deptford Fund — a project founded to help women secure employment away from the dangerous local trades in the slaughterhouses. The Fund soon expanded its scope and the institute was built to house the various activities that supported and involved a local population with high levels of poverty and deprivation.


It was not until the early 1970s that a touring theatre company became resident at the Albany and the organisation began to focus on fusion between community work and the arts.
In the early 1970s a touring theatre company, "The Combination", became resident at the Albany and the organisation began to focus on fusion between community work and the arts. The Albany Empire (as the Albany's theatre was then called) became a centre for [[Rock Against Racism]] and hosted fifteen gigs by musicians in support; for example [[Dire Straits]], [[Squeeze (band)|Squeeze]], and [[Elvis Costello]] performed there.


⚫
On 14 July 1978, the Albany Empire was destroyed by fire, the cause of which was not established. Arson was suspected. A new complex incorporating theatre spaces, a cafe, community rooms and offices was officially opened by [[Diana, Princess of Wales]], in 1982.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thealbany.org.uk/infopoint/26/Albany-History |title=Albany History |publisher=Albany Theatre |accessdate=28 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091128143458/http://www.thealbany.org.uk/infopoint/26/Albany-History |archivedate=28 November 2009 }}</ref>
In the 1970s it hosted fifteen [[Rock Against Racism]] gigs and Dire Straits performed there 2 July 1978.
⚫
On 14 July 1978, the Albany's theatre, then called "Albany Empire", was destroyed by fire, the cause of which has never been established. Plans were put in place for a new purpose-built building incorporating theatre spaces, a cafe, community rooms and offices. This new building on Douglas Way was officially opened by [[Diana, Princess of Wales]], in 1982.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thealbany.org.uk/infopoint/26/Albany-History|title=Albany History|publisher=Albany Theatre|accessdate=28 February 2010}}</ref>


During the 1980s the Albany hosted performances by many well-known artists, including [[Elvis Costello]], [[Squeeze (band)|Squeeze]], [[Vic Reeves]] and [[Bob Mortimer]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/interview--vic-reeves--bob-mortimer-fighting-for-a-laugh-1240036.html |title=INTERVIEW : VIC REEVES & BOB MORTIMER: Fighting for a laugh - Life & Style - The Independent |publisher=www.independent.co.uk |accessdate=2010-01-08 | location=London | first=James | last=Rampton | date=20 September 1997}}</ref> [[Julian Clary]], [[Courtney Pine]] and the [[Jazz Warriors]]. The building was also home to many social, creative and community organisations.
During the 1980s the Albany hosted performances by artists such as [[Elvis Costello]], [[Squeeze (band)|Squeeze]], [[Vic Reeves]] and [[Bob Mortimer]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/interview--vic-reeves--bob-mortimer-fighting-for-a-laugh-1240036.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905173622/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/interview--vic-reeves--bob-mortimer-fighting-for-a-laugh-1240036.html |archive-date=2009-09-05 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |title=INTERVIEW : VIC REEVES & BOB MORTIMER: Fighting for a laugh - Life & Style - The Independent |work=The Independent|accessdate=2010-01-08 | location=London | first=James | last=Rampton | date=20 September 1997}}</ref> [[Julian Clary]], [[Courtney Pine]] and the [[Jazz Warriors]]. The building was also home to many social, creative and community organisations.


Cuts in public funding in the 1990s meant the arts programme had to be scaled back. However, in 2001 the [[Royal National Theatre]]'s Art of Regeneration initiative invested heavily in the organisation, enabling refurbishment of the building by [[Sprunt Architects]]<ref name="Albany Theatre CS">{{cite web|title=Albany Theatre case study|url=http://www.sprunt.net/assets/deptford-albany-theatre.pdf|publisher=Sprunt}}</ref> to be completed and the re-establishment of a programme of performances.
Cuts in public funding in the 1990s meant the arts programme had to be scaled back. However, in 2001 the [[Royal National Theatre]]'s Art of Regeneration initiative invested heavily in the organisation, enabling refurbishment of the building by Sprunt Architects<ref name="Albany Theatre CS">{{cite web|title=Albany Theatre case study|url=http://www.sprunt.net/assets/deptford-albany-theatre.pdf|publisher=Sprunt|access-date=13 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222014913/http://www.sprunt.net/assets/deptford-albany-theatre.pdf|archive-date=22 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> to be completed and the re-establishment of a programme of performances.


The Albany continues to develop its artistic programme with a focus on topical and community focused work. It also runs a number of initiatives, such as the Meet Me at the Albany campaign that aims to provide activity groups and performance opportunities for the local elderly community.
[[Charles Hayward (musician)|Charles Hayward]], an [[experimental rock]] musician, organised a series of performances at the theatre under the name "Accidents + Emergencies".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2002/feb/07/guardianobituaries |title=Obituary: Gareth Williams | work= The Guardian |accessdate=2010-01-08 | location=London | date=7 February 2002 | first=Ed | last=Baxter}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
|+Sample billings
|+Some show
! colspan=5 | [[1978 in music|1978]]-[[1981 in music|1981]] concerts
! colspan=5 | [[1978 in music|1978]]–[[1981 in music|1981]] concerts
|-
|-
! Date !! Year !! Musician(s) !! Tour !! Note
! Date !! Year !! Musician(s) !! Tour !! Note
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| 27 October{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}}||[[1976 in music|1976]]||[[Squeeze (band)|Squeeze]]||--||as Empire
| 27 October{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}}||[[1976 in music|1976]]||[[Squeeze (band)|Squeeze]]||--||as Empire
|-
|-
| 3 April<ref name="Squeeze Tour History">{{cite web|url=http://www.squeezefan.com/tourhis2.htm|title=Squeeze Tour History Part II: "The New Wave Years" (1978-1982)|publisher=squeeze fan cite|accessdate=28 February 2010| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100406050009/http://www.squeezefan.com/tourhis2.htm| archivedate= 6 April 2010 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
| 3 April<ref name="Squeeze Tour History">{{cite web|url=http://www.squeezefan.com/tourhis2.htm|title=Squeeze Tour History Part II: "The New Wave Years" (1978-1982)|publisher=squeeze fan cite|accessdate=28 February 2010| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100406050009/http://www.squeezefan.com/tourhis2.htm| archivedate= 6 April 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>
|[[1978 in music|1978]]||[[Squeeze (band)|Squeeze]]||--||as Empire
|[[1978 in music|1978]]||[[Squeeze (band)|Squeeze]]||--||as Empire
|-
|-
| 2 July<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mark-knopfler.info/tour1978.htm|title=Dire Straits tour 1978|work=Tours|publisher=Mark Knopfler official site|accessdate=13 February 2010|location=Canada}}</ref>
| 2 July<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mark-knopfler.info/tour1978.htm |title=Dire Straits tour 1978 |work=Tours |publisher=Mark Knopfler official site |accessdate=13 February 2010 |location=Canada |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120904145335/http://www.mark-knopfler.info/tour1978.htm |archivedate=4 September 2012 }}</ref>
|[[1978 in music|1978]]||[[Dire Straits]]||[[Dire Straits Tour]]|| as Empire
|[[1978 in music|1978]]||[[Dire Straits]]||[[Dire Straits Tour]]|| as Empire
|-
|-
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==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
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*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSN3SgqBuGo Squeeze play at the Albany]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSN3SgqBuGo Squeeze play at the Albany]


[[Category:Theatres in Lewisham]]
[[Category:Theatres in the London Borough of Lewisham]]
[[Category:Deptford]]
[[Category:Deptford]]

Latest revision as of 14:53, 10 June 2024

The Albany
Albany Empire
Map
LocationDeptford
London, SE14
United Kingdom
Coordinates51°28′40″N 0°01′39″W / 51.4777°N 0.0276°W / 51.4777; -0.0276
Public transitNational Rail Deptford
National Rail London Overground New Cross
Capacity500
Construction
Opened1899 (original building)
Rebuilt1982 (new building)
Website
http://www.thealbany.org.uk

The Albany is a multi-purpose arts centre in Deptford, south-east London.

Facilities include a flexible performance space holding up to 300 seated or 500 standing and a bar, two studio theatres, a performance cafe and rehearsal / meeting rooms. The Albany currently hosts a varied programme of events including music, spoken word, theatre, club nights, and children's shows. Several arts and community organisations are based at the Albany including spoken-word promoters Apples & Snakes and Heart n Soul, who provide opportunities for artists with learning disabilities.

History

[edit]

The Albany was originally established as The Deptford Fund in 1894 as a philanthropical group aimed at assisting the local community that had suffered since the closure of the dock in 1869. The fund took on a physical home when the purpose-built "Albany Institute" was opened in 1899 by its namesake, the Duchess of Albany. A daughter-in-law of Queen Victoria, the Duchess was an active patron of the Deptford Fund — a project founded to help women secure employment away from the dangerous local trades in the slaughterhouses. The Fund soon expanded its scope and the institute was built to house the various activities that supported and involved a local population with high levels of poverty and deprivation.

In the early 1970s a touring theatre company, "The Combination", became resident at the Albany and the organisation began to focus on fusion between community work and the arts. The Albany Empire (as the Albany's theatre was then called) became a centre for Rock Against Racism and hosted fifteen gigs by musicians in support; for example Dire Straits, Squeeze, and Elvis Costello performed there.

On 14 July 1978, the Albany Empire was destroyed by fire, the cause of which was not established. Arson was suspected. A new complex incorporating theatre spaces, a cafe, community rooms and offices was officially opened by Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1982.[1]

During the 1980s the Albany hosted performances by artists such as Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer,[2] Julian Clary, Courtney Pine and the Jazz Warriors. The building was also home to many social, creative and community organisations.

Cuts in public funding in the 1990s meant the arts programme had to be scaled back. However, in 2001 the Royal National Theatre's Art of Regeneration initiative invested heavily in the organisation, enabling refurbishment of the building by Sprunt Architects[3] to be completed and the re-establishment of a programme of performances.

The Albany continues to develop its artistic programme with a focus on topical and community focused work. It also runs a number of initiatives, such as the Meet Me at the Albany campaign that aims to provide activity groups and performance opportunities for the local elderly community.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Albany History". Albany Theatre. Archived from the original on 28 November 2009. Retrieved 28 February 2010.
  2. ^ Rampton, James (20 September 1997). "INTERVIEW : VIC REEVES & BOB MORTIMER: Fighting for a laugh - Life & Style - The Independent". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 5 September 2009. Retrieved 8 January 2010.
  3. ^ "Albany Theatre case study" (PDF). Sprunt. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
  4. ^ a b c "Squeeze Tour History Part II: "The New Wave Years" (1978-1982)". squeeze fan cite. Archived from the original on 6 April 2010. Retrieved 28 February 2010.
  5. ^ "Dire Straits tour 1978". Tours. Canada: Mark Knopfler official site. Archived from the original on 4 September 2012. Retrieved 13 February 2010.
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