London’s newest cultural venue set to open this Friday, bringing world-class comedy and theatre to East London.
After years of anticipation, the newly restored Soho Theatre Walthamstow will officially welcome audiences this Friday, May 2nd, marking a triumphant new chapter for one of London’s most beloved historic venues.
The stunning 960-seat theatre, transformed from the former Granada cinema, represents a significant addition to London’s cultural landscape. Housed in a Grade II* listed building dating back to 1930, the venue has undergone extensive restoration to preserve its distinctive architectural heritage while creating a state-of-the-art performance space.
“With artists and audiences at its heart and a dynamic social enterprise ethos, Soho Theatre Walthamstow will create countless joyful, memory-making experiences for many people,” said Mark Godfrey and Sam Hansford, Co-Executive Directors of Soho Theatre Walthamstow, in a joint statement.
The opening production, “Natalie Palamides: WEER,” arrives fresh from acclaimed runs at both the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Soho Theatre’s Dean Street location in central London.
A Cultural Renaissance
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has praised the project as “a huge asset – not just for Walthamstow but London as a whole,” highlighting it as “a fantastic legacy from Waltham Forest’s year as my very first London Borough of Culture.”
Beyond the main auditorium, the venue features multiple studio spaces, four distinctive bars, and a restaurant serving Mumbai street food from Curry On Naanstop, one of Britain’s top-rated takeaways. The bars will serve Neon, Soho Theatre’s own lager brewed locally in partnership with Adnams and East London Brewery.
The inaugural season boasts an impressive lineup including comedians Tim Minchin, Sara Pascoe, Dara Ó Briain, and Rosie Jones, alongside new work from performance artist Bryony Kimmings and a Soho-style pantomime of “Aladdin & The Magic Lamp” directed by Susie McKenna.
Community Connection
In partnership with Waltham Forest Council, the theatre is offering 15,000 tickets at £15 each to local residents who live, work, or study in the borough. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to community engagement that includes workshops, storytelling sessions, and creative opportunities for all ages.
“This beautiful, restored space is testament to the belief, determination and commitment of the amazing local community,” said Fred Pilbrow, founding partner of Pilbrow & Partners, the design architects behind the restoration.
From Iconic Past to Bright Future
The site’s rich history as an entertainment venue dates back to 1897. The Granada opened in 1930 with exteriors designed by Cecil Masey and ornate interior decoration by Theodore Komisarjevsky, inspired by Spain’s Alhambra Palace. During its heyday, the venue hosted legendary performers including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Buddy Holly, and Dusty Springfield.
After closing as a live performance venue in 1973, it operated as a cinema until 2003. A decade-long grassroots campaign led by local groups including McGuffin Film Society and the Waltham Forest Cinema Trust, working alongside Soho Theatre, successfully fought to preserve the building’s use as an entertainment venue.
The restoration project represents a £38 million investment by Waltham Forest Council as part of their London Borough of Culture 2019 legacy commitment.
As the newly renovated venue prepares to open its doors, it stands as a testament to the power of community activism and cultural investment, promising to deliver world-class entertainment while honoring its storied past.
For more information and tickets, visit sohotheatre.com/walthamstow
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