The theatre is still expected to open later this year, reports Victoria Munro

Work transforming Walthamstow’s former EMD cinema into an exciting new theatre is reportedly 60% done, according to the Open Doors website.

The 950-seat comedy and theatre venue was originally due to open this March but recent reports prepared for Waltham Forest Council leaders stated it would open between April and June next year.

Following the original publication of this article, a Waltham Forest Council spokesperson told the Echo the first events at the theatre will still take place at an unspecified time “later this year” and that early 2024 will mark the beginning of its “full programme of events”.

They said: “The new venue, which will be one of London’s biggest outside the West End, will host world-famous comedians, emerging stand-ups, pantomime, music, live theatre and much more.

“Ticket discounts and priority booking will be available for local people, and new spaces in the theatre will allow opportunities for Waltham Forest schools and local groups to take part in creative community activities.”

The new theatre is the lynchpin of the council’s vision of Walthamstow as a “cultural quarter”, which it will promote through a local Walthamstow festival scheduled to coincide with the grand opening.

The figure of 60% completion comes from an invitation to apply for a sneak peek inside the active building site this March, as part of the construction industry’s Open Doors week from 13th to 18th March.

Inside the Soho Theatre Walthamstow construction site in March 2022

Residents were invited to see inside the “substantially complete” project and “see the work that has so far been undertaken in converting and refurbishing the former EMD cinema into an elegant theatre”.

However, following the original publication of this article, an Opens Doors spokesperson told the Echo: “Unfortunately, due to the pace of work at that site, they will be unable to take part in Open Doors Week 2023 and will not be opening this time.”

The listing on the Open Doors website adds: “The building is a Grade II-listed building so the refurbishment has been complex, but thoughtfully undertaken to repair and maintain many of the art deco and historic features.

“This theatre was on the theatre-at-risk register and the tour will include an overview of how the project commenced, the work that has been undertaken and how the theatre will look when finished.”

By last March, the renovation of the former EMD cinema in Hoe Street had cost £30million, despite the project’s estimated cost being under £20m when first approved in 2019.

Waltham Forest Council estimates it will add about £52m to the local economy in the next decade and are investing £1.79m in the surrounding area to encourage the night time economy.

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