Since opening in May 2025, the 960‑seat theatre has staged over 100 shows spanning comedy, theatre, cabaret and music
Soho Theatre Walthamstow has welcomed more than 130,000 audience members in its first year, as the restored former Granada cinema emerges as a key cultural venue in East London.
Since opening in May 2025, the 960‑seat theatre has staged over 100 shows spanning comedy, theatre, cabaret and music, featuring artists including Jinkx Monsoon, Tim Minchin, Reggie Watts, Rosie Jones, John C Reilly, Sindhu Vee, Harry Hill, Patti Harrison, the Philharmonia Orchestra and many more.
A total of 17,000 Waltham Forest residents have enjoyed reduced-price £15 tickets, while more than 10,000 children have taken part in shows, festivals and creative programmes such as Primary Playwrights and the Children’s Literature Festival.
Its first year has been recognised with several awards, including Theatre Building of the Year at The Stage Awards 2026, Community Business of the Year at the London Chamber of Commerce, and a Highly Commended prize at the New London Architecture Awards.
Alongside performances, more than 5,000 people have taken part in creative engagement projects such as Makers’ Lab, Comedy Lab for women of Muslim backgrounds, and Writers’ Lab x British Pakistan Foundation. The Future Formed programme, run with Waltham Forest Council, has supported young adults into backstage and technical roles.
70% of front‑of‑house staff were hired locally, and more than 13,500 pints of its locally brewed Neon lager have been served across its four bars, while a new Soho Theatre Pub has opened next door.
Looking ahead, the programme includes previews of Grayson Perry The Musical, appearances from Dame Meera Syal, Lenny Henry, Sue Perkins, Richard Ayoade, Ruby Wax, and rising stars such as Paddy Young and Larry Dean.
Family shows this summer include Alice in Wonderland, The Cat in the Hat, and The Palestinian Circus: Step and a Half, with festive highlights including Taylor Mac: Holiday Sauce, Jonny Woo’s Un‑Royal Variety, The Gruffalo and the Philharmonia Brass.
Co‑executive directors Mark Godfrey and Sam Hansford said the theatre had quickly become “part of people’s conversations and sense of place”, crediting the community campaigners, council and artists who helped bring the building back to life.
See what’s on and book a show here
Read more: Review: Jinkx Monsoon delivers ‘mesmerising’ performance as Judy Garland at Soho Theatre Walthamstow
Local news needs your support
We are proud that we were at the forefront of reporting on the recent local elections. We can’t do this without the support of our readers.
Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.
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.
ACT NOW!
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
