In 1936, as Broadway Cinema & Theatre began to take shape, Britain was in a period of growing optimism between the wars, and cinema-going was rapidly becoming one of the nation’s favourite pastimes. Across the country, new picture houses were being built in striking Art Deco styles, designed to impress with bold façades, elegant interiors, and the latest projection technology.

Broadway was part of this wave of modern entertainment venues, created to bring film, performance, and community together under one roof. Its construction reflected both the ambition of the era and the rising demand for shared cultural experiences, as audiences sought affordable escapism and excitement during a time of social and economic change.

The Broadway Cinema in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, was designed by the local architectural firm Bennett & Bidwell (principally Robert Bennett and William Bidwell). Constructed in 1935–1936 by builder Howard Hurst, it is a prominent example of Art Deco architecture in the area.

Design and Style: The building features a distinctive Art Deco style, which was slightly constrained to remain "in keeping" with the surrounding garden city aesthetic. It is noted for its octagon foyer.

Location: The architects designed the building to fit an acute-angled corner plot at Gernon Road and Eastcheap.

Context: Bennett & Bidwell were prolific in Letchworth, having also designed the town hall opposite the cinema, which was constructed in 1934–1935.

During the Second World War, Broadway Cinema remained a place of gathering and resilience. While films continued to light up our screen a guest famously recalling the first air raid siren during a Joan Crawford film. Our building also took on new and vital roles:

A cinema offering comfort and escape.

A reception centre welcoming evacuated children and families.

A venue for rallies, music, and, when peace finally returned, joyful celebrations, with a band playing from our roof to mark the war’s end.

When Gone with the Wind arrived at Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth in 1939, it was more than just a film screening, it was a landmark moment for the local community. As audiences gathered beneath the theatre’s distinctive art deco surroundings, there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air. For many residents, this was their first chance to experience such an ambitious and sweeping Hollywood production close to home. The film’s romance, drama, and spectacle unfolded on the big screen, creating shared memories that lingered long after the credits rolled. It became a defining chapter in the Broadway’s history, reflecting its role not just as a cinema, but as a cultural heart of Letchworth where stories came to life and communities came together.

In 1942, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth welcomed audiences to experience Casablanca, a film that would soon become one of the most beloved classics of all time. Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, the film was set against the backdrop of World War II and quickly struck a chord with audiences living through the realities of war. Interestingly, Casablanca was rushed into release to coincide with the Allied invasion of North Africa, which gave its story even greater immediacy and relevance at the time. Inside the warmth of the Broadway, local viewers found both comfort and escape in its unforgettable romance and sacrifice, making each screening a powerful shared experience for the Letchworth community.

In 1946, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth welcomed audiences to experience It’s a Wonderful Life, a film that would go on to become one of the most cherished classics in cinema history. Directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart alongside Donna Reed, the film tells the moving story of George Bailey and the profound impact one life can have on a community. Although it received mixed reviews and was not an immediate box office success, it later gained enduring popularity and is now widely regarded as a timeless favourite. Its themes of hope, kindness, and community would have resonated deeply with post-war audiences in Letchworth, offering reassurance and warmth to viewers gathering at the Broadway during a time of rebuilding and reflection.

In 1952, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth delighted audiences with the vibrant musical Singin’ in the Rain, a joyful celebration of Hollywood’s transition from silent films to “talkies.” Directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, and featuring unforgettable performances from Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor, the film quickly became a beloved classic thanks to its dazzling dance numbers and memorable songs. Its iconic title number, performed by Kelly in the rain-soaked streets, remains one of the most famous moments in film history. For audiences at the Broadway, the film offered pure escapism, filling the theatre with laughter, music, and a sense of joy that perfectly captured the spirit of post-war optimism.

The Broadway Cinema in Letchworth Garden City was refurbished in 1955 to accommodate the introduction of new wide-screen CinemaScope films. Introduced by 20th Century Fox in 1953 and firmly established by 1955, CinemaScope was a revolutionary widescreen anamorphic technique designed to combat the rising popularity of television by offering an immersive, large-scale cinematic experience. It allowed studios to shoot and project wide images (initially 2.55:1, later standardized to 2.35:1) using standard 35mm film and projectors, requiring only special lenses.

Widescreen Upgrades: The main screen was equipped for CinemaScope to meet the changing technology of the film industry, with the reopening taking place around September 12, 1955.

Proscenium Widening: The auditorium’s proscenium was widened from 31ft to 36ft.

Architect: The work was designed by architect Hugh E. Bidwell, the son of one of the original architects who designed the building in 1935.

In 1959, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth presented Ben-Hur, an epic historical spectacle that left a lasting impression on audiences. Directed by William Wyler and starring Charlton Heston, the film was renowned for its scale and ambition, telling the powerful story of Judah Ben-Hur set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire. Famous for its breathtaking chariot race and grand production, Ben-Hur was one of the most expensive films ever made at the time and went on to win a record-breaking 11 Academy Awards. At the Broadway, local audiences would have been captivated by its epic storytelling and technical brilliance, experiencing cinema on a truly grand scale within their own community theatre.

In May 1960, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth played host to a lively chapter in music history when the celebrated “Beat Show” tour arrived, featuring a lineup of top rock ’n’ roll acts of the era. Among the standout performers was Marty Wilde, who was actively touring at the time with his band, the Wildcats, bringing his energetic stage presence and early rock ’n’ roll sound to enthusiastic local audiences. Alongside other popular stars of the day, the performance transformed the Broadway into a vibrant hub of music and youth culture, capturing the excitement and spirit of a generation embracing a new and dynamic sound.

In 1964, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth thrilled audiences with Goldfinger, the iconic James Bond film that helped define the spy genre. Starring Sean Connery as the suave secret agent James Bond, the film delivered action, glamour, and unforgettable moments, including the famous Aston Martin DB5 and the chilling villain Goldfinger, played by Gert Frobe. Featuring the now-classic theme song performed by Shirley Bassey, Goldfinger became one of the most successful Bond films of its time. For local audiences at the Broadway, it would have offered an exciting cinematic experience, filled with intrigue and style, perfectly capturing the thrill of 1960s cinema. 
A notable fact about Goldfinger is that it was the first James Bond film to win an Academy Award, taking home the Oscar for Best Sound Editing in 1965.

In 1977, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth was part of the global excitement surrounding Star Wars, the groundbreaking space adventure that changed the future of cinema. Created by George Lucas, the film was made on a relatively modest budget of about $11 million but went on to earn over $775 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of its time. It introduced audiences to a galaxy far, far away, where the heroic Luke Skywalker, the mysterious Darth Vader, and the wise Obi-Wan Kenobi captured imaginations like never before. The film also won six Academy Awards and is widely credited with revolutionising special effects in filmmaking. At the Broadway, audiences would have experienced the thrill of this epic adventure on the big screen, joining the worldwide excitement that marked the beginning of one of cinema’s most beloved franchises.

In 1978, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth showcased Superman, bringing audiences the first big-screen portrayal of the iconic superhero in a way that truly captured his larger-than-life presence. Directed by Richard Donner and starring Christopher Reeve as the legendary Superman, the film amazed audiences with its groundbreaking visual effects and sense of wonder. It was also one of the early major releases to feature Dolby Laboratories sound technology, which was developed by Ray Dolby. Dolby’s innovations in noise reduction and surround sound helped to create a richer, clearer audio experience, making audiences feel more immersed in the action on screen. For audiences at the Broadway, Superman offered an unforgettable cinematic event, combining cutting-edge sound and spectacle to create the feeling that, indeed, a man could fly.

In 1982, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth charmed audiences with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the heartfelt story of friendship between a young boy and a gentle alien stranded on Earth. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film became a worldwide phenomenon, capturing the imaginations of audiences of all ages with its emotional storytelling and unforgettable imagery. Starring Henry Thomas as Elliott and featuring the iconic music of John Williams, the film went on to become the highest-grossing movie of the 1980s and won four Academy Awards. At the Broadway, viewers would have been swept up in its sense of wonder and emotion, experiencing one of cinema’s most beloved and enduring tales on the big screen.

In 1984, audiences at Broadway Cinema & Theatre were swept up in the excitement of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, bringing action, adventure, and cinematic spectacle to the big screen. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Harrison Ford, the film drew crowds eager to experience its thrilling story, daring stunts, and unforgettable score. Inside the cinema, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as audiences gathered to witness one of the defining films of the decade, continuing Broadway’s long tradition of showcasing the biggest and most talked-about releases of the time.

In 1993, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth thrilled audiences with Jurassic Park, a groundbreaking adventure that brought dinosaurs roaring back to life on the big screen. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film captivated viewers with its stunning visual effects and sense of wonder, following characters played by Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum as they encountered living dinosaurs on a remote island. It used a combination of pioneering CGI and animatronics created by Industrial Light & Magic to make the dinosaurs look incredibly realistic—something never before seen in cinema. Another interesting detail is that the iconic T. rex roar was created by blending recordings of different animals, including elephants and tigers. For audiences at the Broadway, Jurassic Park would have been an unforgettable cinematic experience, filled with excitement, awe, and a few heart-pounding moments.

In 1996, the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation began a £2 million refurbishment of the Broadway Cinema, transforming it into a modern twin-screen venue while carefully preserving its original Art Deco character. The redevelopment introduced two new downstairs screens in the former stalls, each seating 175, while maintaining the sweeping elegance of the original circle above, which became a 450-seat Screen One. This thoughtful redesign allowed the Broadway to blend its historic charm with contemporary cinema, ensuring its continued role at the heart of Letchworth’s cultural life.

In 2000, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth showcased Gladiator, the epic historical drama that captivated audiences with its gripping story and stunning visual spectacle. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film starred Russell Crowe as the courageous Maximus Decimus Meridius and Joaquin Phoenix as the ruthless Emperor Commodus. Praised for its powerful performances, sweeping battle scenes, and memorable score, Gladiator went on to win five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor. For audiences at the Broadway, the film would have delivered a thrilling and immersive cinematic experience, bringing the grandeur of ancient Rome vividly to life on the big screen.

Letchworth’s familiar appearance conceals its revolutionary origins. Founded by Ebenezer Howard in 1903 as the world’s first Garden City, it became a pioneering blueprint for new towns and communities across the globe, even though his original vision was never fully realised. Howard’s plan for social reform sought to create a “paradise” by combining the best of country and city living, where people could enjoy healthy surroundings, access to green space, and all their essential needs within a carefully planned community. In 2003, to mark the town’s centenary, the Paradise Is commission was created opposite the cinema—a striking copper and stainless steel structure that represents the idea of the “original house.” Howard’s influential diagrams, The Social City and The Three Magnets, are etched into its posts, while the surrounding planting of birch trees, grasses, and colourful flowers evokes a small, living piece of paradise, echoing his enduring vision.

In 2009, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth transported audiences to the visually stunning world of Avatar, a groundbreaking science fiction epic directed by James Cameron. The film, starring Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana, captivated viewers with its immersive world and revolutionary use of motion capture technology, bringing the alien world of Pandora to life in unprecedented detail. Avatar became the highest-grossing film of all time, earning over $2.9 billion worldwide, and went on to win three Academy Awards. Its innovative visual effects, created by Industrial Light & Magic, set new standards for filmmaking and changed the future of cinema. For audiences at the Broadway, Avatar would have been a truly unforgettable experience, showcasing the cutting edge of modern film technology.

In 2010, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth welcomed audiences to the magical world of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, the penultimate chapter in the beloved series. Directed by David Yates, the film followed the journey of Harry Potter, played by Daniel Radcliffe, alongside his loyal friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Filled with darker themes and high-stakes adventure, the film marked a powerful turning point in the series as the story moved toward its dramatic conclusion. Fans arrived in true style, many dressed as their favourite characters, filling the cinema with a real sense of excitement, anticipation, and shared passion for the wizarding world. The atmosphere at the Broadway would have been electric, as audiences came together to celebrate one of the most beloved film franchises of all time in a truly immersive and unforgettable way.

The World's End (2013) was filmed in Letchworth Garden City between September and December 2012. The production had3 separate periods of filming in the town, including dates in September, late October, and November 2012. Locations used included Leys Avenue, Arena Parade, and Sollershott Circus, which were transformed to create the fictional town of Newton Haven. Broadway Cinema features in the film as the eighth pub on the "Golden Mile" pub crawl, renamed The Mermaid.

Herts Memories

In 2016, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth underwent a major transformation with a £3.8 million refurbishment, evolving into a versatile 2-in-1 cinema and live performance venue. Managed by the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, the project marked a new chapter for the historic building, with the first live show announced for October 1, 2016. Screen 1 was enhanced with a professional timber proscenium stage that could be raised or lowered, allowing the space to seamlessly switch between cinema and theatre. A three-storey extension was also added to the rear, providing modern backstage facilities including dressing rooms and a green room, while technical upgrades such as improved lighting, soundproofing, and air conditioning brought the venue up to professional standards. Today, the Broadway proudly hosts a rich mix of film screenings, live theatre, comedy, and music, continuing its role as a vibrant cultural hub at the heart of the community.

In 2019, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth joined audiences around the world in experiencing Avengers: Endgame, the epic conclusion to over a decade of storytelling in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, the film brought together an ensemble cast of beloved heroes, including Iron Man, played by Robert Downey Jr., and Captain America, played by Chris Evans. As one of the highest-grossing films of all time, Endgame delivered an emotional and action-packed finale filled with memorable moments, heroic sacrifices, and spectacular battles. At the Broadway, audiences would have shared in the excitement and anticipation, coming together to witness the culmination of a cinematic journey that had captivated fans for years.

In 2021, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth thrilled audiences with Spider-Man: No Way Home, one of the most talked-about films of the year and a major highlight of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Jon Watts, the film stars Tom Holland as Spider-Man, navigating the challenges of his identity being revealed to the world. The film became a global phenomenon, bringing together villains from across the multiverse, including iconic characters like Doctor Octopus and Green Goblin, creating a thrilling and emotional cinematic experience. It went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of all time, and at the Broadway, audiences would have shared in the excitement, gasps, and applause as the story unfolded on the big screen, making it a truly unforgettable event for local film fans.

In 2023, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth was part of the global cultural moment as audiences flocked to see Barbie and Oppenheimer, two very different films that dominated conversation and drew huge crowds. Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie as Barbie, offered a vibrant, witty, and visually dazzling take on identity and modern life. In contrast, Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, delivered a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the development of the atomic bomb. The contrast between the two films, one colourful and playful, the other intense and reflective, sparked a worldwide phenomenon, with many cinema-goers even choosing to watch both on the same day. At the Broadway, this double feature energy would have created a lively and memorable experience, showcasing the diversity and excitement of modern cinema.

In 2024, Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth delighted audiences with Wicked, the long-awaited film adaptation of the beloved stage musical. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film brings to life the untold story of the witches of Oz, focusing on the unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda. With powerful performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the film combines stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and iconic music to create a truly magical cinematic experience. At the Broadway, audiences would have been swept up in the excitement, singing along and sharing in the magic as one of the most beloved stage stories of recent times came to life on the big screen.

In 2026, Broadway Cinema & Theatre proudly celebrates an incredible milestone—its 90th birthday—marking nine decades at the heart of Letchworth’s cultural life. Since opening its doors, the Broadway has stood as more than just a cinema and theatre; it has been a place where generations have come together to share laughter, tears, music, and unforgettable stories on the big screen and stage. From classic films to modern blockbusters, live performances to community events, it has continually evolved while staying true to its historic roots. This 90th anniversary is a celebration of the people, memories, and moments that have shaped its legacy, and a tribute to its enduring role as a beloved landmark where the past, present, and future of entertainment meet.