The new creative arts hub is based in Haggerston, East London.
It has been confirmed that Playhouse East, a new arts venue comprised of a 100-seat theatre and diverse studio spaces is now officially open.
Created by husband and wife team, James Alexandrou (Eastenders, Broken News, Citadel) and Avital Lvova (The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Treason), the aim of the venue is to support the theatre and film industries.
The Playhouse Theatre is set focus on highlighting new work under the same roof as their innovative acting studio Actors East, alongside various new creative studios fully serving everything from pre to post production for theatre, TV and film production.
By offering flexible, cost-effective pathways—including a unique ‘pay what you can’ model for studio hire, the venue hopes to challenge traditional routes to the industry by providing an accessible and collaborative space for emerging voices in theatre, film, and more.
Talking about their venture, James and Avital said: We intend to create a creative building that facilitates new work, from theatre to film, pre- and post-production. We are expanding our work in lowering the barriers to entry in the arts—supporting unfunded artists and focusing on producing quality new writing that puts outstanding acting at the forefront. Expanding on this, Playhouse East will become a centre for creative businesses that, like us, are dedicated to crafting original, high-quality work without traditional support—relying instead on our own ingenuity and resourcefulness.”
On the ground floor of the building is a café and smaller events space where
performances can develop before moving upstairs to the main theatre. Four ground floor studio spaces are currently occupied by commercial production company Autumn Works, a collective of prop makers and product designers, the headquarters of sunglasses designer Sub Sun, and sound designer Oliver Mapp. The ground floor also features a 350 sq ft rehearsal room Studio Tardieu.
Meanwhile, the first floor is where 1000 sq ft theatre and main space for screenings, events,workshops, gigs, and more is based. The first production n Casserole will run 12th – 20th December.
Other spaces upstairs are being used by Nuevoz Post, a Black female-led video post-production company working in high-end television, a seamstress vintage clothes designer, prolific British filmmaker Greg Hall who has regular features in Netflix’s top ranks, and Future Narratives Lab, a not-for-profit organisation that empowers young people in Europe through storytelling and ‘futures literacy’.
In addition, the basement features Rumble post production, a brand
new Dolby Atmos 7.1.4-enabled dubbing theatre, founded by Dan Hibbert, James Alexandrou, and Oliver Mapp. There is also the Cellar Studio recording studio literally handbuilt by drummer/producer Sam Michnik, and next to him, electronic artist duo Once Twice.
The venue will also host a range of events including new writing nights, jazz nights, cabaret, play readings and poetry evenings.
To find out more visit: https://www.playhouseeast.com/