Paris Studios

The Paris Studios in Lower Regent Street London were in use by BBC Radio from 1946 to 1995, and were the recording venue for some famous programmes. The theatre was originally the Paris Cinema, which opened in April 1939 to a design by Robert Cromie. Its name referred to its focus on French-language films; it didn't last long due to World War II when it was taken over by the government.

By 1946 it had been acquired by the BBC as a recording studio, where its small capacity and low stage gave it an intimacy ideal for recording comedy programmes; I'm Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, radio versions of Dad's Army, and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy were all recorded here. The Paris Theatre also saw some notable live performances from The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Queen and Pink Floyd amongst others.

After the conversion of the Concert Hall at Broadcasting House to become the BBC Radio Theatre, the Paris Theatre closed in 1995 with a special commemorative concert.