A legendary venue reborn with comedy, cabaret, and cutting-edge performance
Soho Theatre is making moves—big ones. In May 2025, its brand-new venue, Soho Theatre Walthamstow, officially opens its doors, taking over the historic Granada building and bringing an electrifying mix of comedy, theatre, and cabaret to East London. Expect an iconic 960-seat auditorium, newly designed studio spaces, four bars, and even a restaurant. Think of it as Soho Theatre’s Dean Street vibe but with even more seats and an even bigger stage.
And the opening season? Let’s just say, it’s stacked. From Dara O’Briain to Bryony Kimmings, Rosie Jones to Suzi Ruffell, it’s the kind of lineup that makes you double-check your calendar. Oh, and if you’re local, you’re in luck—15,000 tickets at £15 will be up for grabs throughout the first year.
A New Era for Walthamstow’s Most Iconic Venue
Once a legendary music hall that hosted everyone from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones, the Granada building is about to start a new chapter. Restored by Waltham Forest Council in partnership with Soho Theatre, this space will become a national cultural hub, boosting Soho Theatre’s audience from 250,000 to over 400,000 a year.
This isn’t just about the big names. The venue will also focus on creative engagement, offering workshops, playwright sessions, and local partnerships. From young aspiring comedians to seasoned theatre-makers, there will be space for everyone.
An Opening Lineup Packed with Heavyweights
The first season is a mix of comedy icons, alternative cabaret, and groundbreaking theatre. The comedy lineup alone is enough to make any stand-up fan dizzy:
🎤 Dara O’Briain – Bringing his razor-sharp wit and quickfire storytelling.
🎤 Rosie Jones, Sara Pascoe, and Thanyia Moore – Part of the monthly Neon Nights lineup.
🎤 Kiell Smith-Bynoe & Friends – Expect the unexpected from the Ghosts and Taskmaster star.
🎤 John Early, Josh Pugh, and The Tiger Lillies – US alt-comedy meets British absurdism.
🎤 Stamptown – The chaotic late-night cult hit arrives for a wild ride.
On the theatre and cabaret side, expect:
🎭 Bryony Kimmings’ ‘Bogwitch’ – A brand-new piece from the fearless theatre-maker.
🎭 Susie McKenna’s ‘Aladdin & The Magic Lamp’ – Soho Theatre’s first-ever pantomime.
🎭 Jonny Woo’s Un-Royal Variety Show – A subversive twist on the traditional variety format.
And if you love a podcast moment, live shows include:
🎙️ Brown Girls Do It Too – The critically acclaimed sex-positive podcast gets a stage adaptation.
🎙️ TiFo Football Podcast – Football talk meets live audience energy.
More Than Just a Stage—A Cultural Movement
Soho Theatre Walthamstow isn’t just a venue; it’s a community hub. Alongside performances, expect:
📝 Local Labs & Write Night – A space for playwrights and new theatre-makers to develop their craft.
🎭 Panto Young Company – A new programme helping young actors get stage-ready.
🎬 Film Festival – A two-day event celebrating Walthamstow’s cinematic history.
🎭 NT Connections – Giving young performers the chance to bring new work to the stage.
And because history matters, guided heritage tours will take audiences behind the scenes of the Granada’s legendary past.
How Walthamstow Fought to Save Its Theatre
If it weren’t for local campaigners, this space could have been lost forever. After closing in 2003, the Granada faced plans to be turned into a church, sparking a passionate grassroots movement led by the McGuffin Film Society and Save Walthamstow Cinema. They fought for over a decade, proving the space could—and should—be reborn as an entertainment venue.
Thanks to their dedication, the site was finally bought by Waltham Forest Council in 2019, with Soho Theatre stepping in to bring it back to life.
