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A major new London venue is opening this May as Soho Theatre expands eastwards with a new auditorium in the restored former home of Grenada Studios.
Soho Theatre Walthamstow represents an exciting new location for comedy, theatre, cabaret and panto fans in the capital.
Chair of Soho Theatre, Dame Heather Rabatts DBE says, “It’s been an incredible journey for Soho Theatre. We’re a small theatre, always managing to creatively punch above our weight, and with an impact that has been felt in TV, film and commercial theatre. The fantastic array of artists that we’ve worked with, together with out presence at Edinburgh Fringe, in India and elsewhere is testament to that. But we’re no longer a small theatre. Alongside the creative powerhouse that is our Dean Street home, we’ll be presenting world class artists to even larger audiences in our new and gloriously refurbished venue in Walthamstow, East London.”
Soho Theatre has indeed grown enormously, but the famous eclecticism of the Dean Street venue will remain in place in Walthamstow, as the inaugural programme confirms.
A monthly comedy lineup show called Neon Nights will be the keystone, with the likes of Thanyia Moore, Sara Pascoe, Rosie Jones, Janine Harouni all set to appear.
Other shows have also been announced. Acclaimed American writer and performer Natalie Palamides will be presenting a show called Weer. Dara O’Briain, Mark Watson and Sarah Keyworth will all be appearing in solo shows. And Emmy-nominated comedian John Early will also be trying out the new stage.
The theatre has also commissioned Bryony Kimmings to present Bogwitch, her first show in five years, which will arrive in October, before a panto arrives in the form of Aladdin & The Magic Lamp by the award-winning actor, director and writer Susie McKenna.
The building for the new venue is a Grade II-listed 1930s former Grenada building, which now houses a 960-seat auditorium with studio spaces, four bars and a restaurant.
The full-line up of shows is here.
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Happily for those living Walthamstow way, Soho Theatre is offering 15,000 tickets for £15 during the first year of shows to those who live, work or study in the borough. This is in partnership with Waltham Forest Council, and there’s other locally-minded initiatives like a two-day festival celebrating Walthamstow’s contribution to cinema, curated by The McGuffin Film Society, as well as workshops, writing tutorials and Primary Playwrights, which supports young people from five schools to write their first play.
Co-Executive Directors of Soho Theatre Walthamstow Mark Godfrey and Sam Hansford, say, “We’re thrilled to be announcing Soho Theatre Walthamstow’s opening and first shows. Decades in the making, this iconic building with a remarkable history is reinvented as a fantastic new venue for the future, supporting culture-led growth and regeneration. None of this would be possible without the passionate grassroots campaign to save it, and the commitment of Waltham Forest Council to invest in it. We thank the very many people who have contributed to it and can’t wait to announce more and to welcome you in from May. ”
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“As someone who was born and raised in this borough, who loves this place, it’s an astounding feeling to be part of bringing a theatre here,” added Co-Chair Alessandro Babalola, “Soho Theatre Walthamstow is going to be sensational: a world-class venue rooted in its community, giving local people the chance to access live performance. It’s something I’ve wanted since I was a kid when having to travel to surrounding boroughs. That 13 year-old me would now have that opportunity with the best theatre right on my doorstep? You can imagine how happy I feel.”
Tickets for the programme at Soho Theatre Walthamstow will go on sale at 10am on Thursday 20th January at sohotheatre.com
