The new theatre is set to open its doors to the public in May.
Initial programming has now been announced for the upcoming opening of the Soho Theatre Walthamstow set to welcome visitors from the spring.
Restored from the beloved 1930s former Granada, the theatre will feature 960-seat auditorium and studio spaces as well as backstage facilities, four bars (Main Foyer, Ziggurat, Cross Hall and Circle), and a restaurant.
The opening season programme will feature an impressive line up of comedy
and cabaret performances. Natalie Palamides returns to London with “WEER”, and solo shows from Dara O’Briain, Sarah Keyworth, and local award-winning comedian Mark Watson are set to entertain. The venue will host the US alt-comedy superstar and Emmy-
nominated comedian John Early, with Ahir Shah (who wrapped up his Soho Theatre India tour this last weekend), Suzi Ruffell, and Josie Long also stopping by on their respective
tours. The new lineup show, “Neon Nights,” will be a great night out featuring a stellar cast of performers, many who have been regulars to Soho Theatre Dean Street over the years, including Thanyia Moore, Sara Pascoe, Rosie Jones, Janine Harouni, Larry Dean, Catherine Bohart, Jin Hao Li, Olga Koch, Sindhu Vee, Tom Davis, Josh Pugh, and Phil Wang.
International acts Rahul Dua, Dale Elliott, Biswa Kalyan Rath, and Jack Tucker will perform
their largest UK shows to date.
In addition, it was confirmed that the theatre has commissioned Bryony Kimmings to present her first show in five years as “Bogwitch” opens this October, and renowned cabaret stars The Tiger Lillies will deliver a specially curated Soho-themed performance for one night only. The inaugural pantomime, “Aladdin & The Magic Lamp” written and directed by award-winning actor, director, and writer Susie McKenna will also take place this year.
The newly announced programme will also include: includes the live version of the critically acclaimed podcast “Brown Girls Do It Too,” where Poppy and Rubina bring their candid discussions on British Asian women’s experiences to the stage. Alt-comedy legends Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington will present “On Cinema Live,” bringing the full-stage show of their popular web series and podcast to the UK for the first time. The season also features CHRISTEENE, in an all-new, powerfully imagined theatrical backed by band and dancers. Additionally, 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.
Locally, 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 – the present day (28th June & 26th July) curated by The McGuffin Film Society which returns to its home venue after a 22-year absence (more events and details to be announced soon).
Talking about the news, Chair of Soho Theatre, Dame Heather Rabbatts DBE said: “It’s been an incredible journey for Soho Theatre. We’re a small theatre, always managing to creatively punch above our weight and with an impact that has been felt in TV, film and commercial theatre. The fantastic array of artists that we’ve worked with, together with our presence at Edinburgh Fringe, in India and elsewhere is testament to that. But we’re no longer a small theatre. Alongside the creative powerhouse that is our Dean Street home, we’ll be presenting world class artists to even larger audiences in our new and gloriously refurbished venue in Walthamstow, East London.”
For full information about the theatre’s first programme visit: https://sohotheatre.com/walthamstow-about/