WAR HALL: A Theatre of the Mind
What was built during World War 2 — and why does it still matter now?
War Hall uncovers the remarkable wartime and musical history of Walthamstow Assembly Hall — a concert venue built in London during the Blitz. It became one of Britain’s most iconic recording spaces, known for its legendary acoustics.
The series blends immersive sound design, rare archives, and performances recorded in the Hall. Its original score is created by Simon Mills — acclaimed producer, composer, and one half of the pioneering electronic duo Bent — weaving past and present into a distinctive sonic world.
Pick of the week at The Guardian.
Hosted by Angela Allen MBE, now 96 — a Londoner who lived through the air raids and one of Britain’s most respected script supervisors, with a career spanning from The Third Man to The Misfits — and historian Professor John Thomas, the podcast brings rare authenticity to a story where music, memory, and resilience collide.
In keeping with the themes of the series, the team encourages listeners to engage with the podcast on platforms that align with their own values around culture and conflict. WAR HALL is a story about the human cost of war, and the producers hope the project inspires thoughtful choices about the media we support.
WAR HALL asks what was built during the war, why it mattered, and what remains at risk today. It is a story about hope.
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