The much-anticipated theatre, originally scheduled to open in March 2023, has unveiled a bumper opening programme of stand-up, cabaret, pantomime, and dance, reports Marco Marcelline
The new Soho Theatre Walthamstow will officially open its doors in May with a “vibrant and eclectic” events programme that includes stand-up from Dara O’Briain, Sara Pascoe, Rosie Jones, and Phil Wang.
The much-anticipated theatre was originally scheduled to open in March 2023 before being pushed back to February 2024. A second delay, to 2025, was due to the challenges of returning the Grade II listed former Granada theatre to “its former glory”, developers Wilmott Dixon have said.
The Hoe Street venue will feature a 960-seat auditorium and studio spaces alongside brand-new studio spaces, backstage facilities, four bars (Main Foyer, Ziggurat, Cross Hall and Circle), and a restaurant.
To celebrate the opening, Soho Theatre Walthamstow will offer 15,000 tickets for £15 across the first year of shows – up to May 2026 – to those who live, work or study in the borough as part of Soho Theatre’s partnership with Waltham Forest Council.
Other areas of creative engagement will include heritage building tours and cross-borough events such as a two-day film festival celebrating Walthamstow’s contribution to the world of cinema from 1800 to the present day (28th June & 26th July) curated by The McGuffin Film Society which returns to its home venue after a 22-year absence.
Highlights of the inaugural programme include new monthly comedy lineup show Neon Nights featuring Janine Harouni, Larry Dean, and Josh Pugh among others.
The inaugural pantomime, Aladdin & The Magic Lamp written and directed by Susie McKenna, promises festive fun., while Jonny Woo’s Un Royal Variety Performance will offer a subversive take on the traditional variety show, showcasing a diverse range of acts and talents.
Co-chair of Soho Theatre Walthamstow Alessandro Babalola said: “As someone who was born and raised in this borough, who loves this place, it is an astounding feeling to be a part of bringing a theatre here. 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 £15 are available from Thursday 30th January at 10am here
No news is bad news
Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.
The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.
If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.
Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.
Monthly direct debit
Annual direct debit
£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.
More information on supporting us monthly or annually
More Information about donations
