Forum topic: "Intimate" destruction?

To lose the Intimate, Palmers Green, where I have also played as a young man, would be more than just a shame

It would be so sad to see the Intimate Theatre disappear as many artists learned their trade there, perfecting their craft, not only in acting but also how ‘to walk a stage’, as they say.

• As a group we are opposed to the sale of Cannon House and demolition of the Intimate Theatre.


• We stand to lose both our rehearsal venues, the venue to perform our annual pantomime and our storage space for set and costumes.


• We believe that by refurbishing and developing the current buildings and with good management the needs of the parish groups could be met and prioritised, avoiding demolition of such a valuable asset to the community.


• There are people willing to volunteer to help with management of the building and with the refurbishment process. But it would take the will of the church to allow that to happen.


• A petition has been set up to save the Intimate Theatre from demolition which can be found here: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-the-intimate-theatre-palmers-green


• A facebook group has also been set up for people to share their memories of their time there: www.facebook.com/groups/332720484202395/


• With some good lighting and a bit of creativity we know how nice the venue can look.

– On the 1st of October a second meeting was held by Colin Smart of Kyle Smart Associates, the architect appointed by St Monica’s, to show the original concept ideas to the parish. A short introduction was given by Father Mehall and by Paolo Camoletto (Diocesan Chief Operating Officer).
– The new parish centre contained a café bar/foyer, a large hall which could be split with a dividing acoustic screen, a new kitchen, a breakout area upstairs and some meeting rooms and offices on a second level above the main entrance. The plans also contained a 3 storey block of flats at the rear of the new development which would run along the current line of housing on Stonard Road.
– The initial ideas were given a mixed reception, some felt the building lacked its own identity or link to the church. Some felt the centre should be physically joined to the church so parishioners could move directly from the church into the new parish centre
– Questions were raised including some on the financial aspects of the project but as this was a concept meeting and those areas would be addressed later. A question was asked about parking for the flats, it was confirmed the flats will have no additional parking.
– On the 3rd of October the latest parish newsletters were published online. The 23rd September edition carried a statement that was similar to those already published online but now included mention of the construction flats.