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Published: Mon 27 Jan 25

Soho Theatre Walthamstow announces initial programming

Press Release: Tuesday 28 January 2025 

SOHO THEATRE WALTHAMSTOW ANNOUNCES INITIAL PROGRAMMING AND OPENING PLANS 

 

Alessandro Babalola (co-Chair, Soho Theatre Walthamstow), Rosie Jones (comedian, writer & actor), and Mark Godfrey (co-Executive Director, Soho Theatre Walthamstow) inside the refurbished Soho Theatre Walthamstow. Photo Credit: © DavidJensen

 

  • The new Soho Theatre Walthamstow will open its doors in May 2025 with a vibrant and eclectic first programme of work, bringing the best of Soho Theatre’s acclaimed programme to a bigger audience. 
  • This major new London venue, restored from the beloved 1930s former Granada, will feature a 960-seat auditorium and studio spaces.  
  • Highlights of the inaugural programme include new monthly comedy lineup show Neon Nights featuring 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.
  • New work is announced from Bryony Kimmings and pantomime for all ages (Soho-style) returns to the historic stage after more than 70  years with a brand new Aladdin & The Magic Lamp written and directed by Susie McKenna.
  • Tickets go on sale at 10am on Thursday 30 January at www.sohotheatre.com with 15,000 tickets for £15 available for locals throughout the first year.
  • Soho Theatre’s second London venue builds on its digital, international and cultural growth which will see its annual audiences increase from 250k to an estimated 400k+. 

First programming is announced today for Soho Theatre Walthamstow, a major new 960-seat venue opening in May 2025 that will house the very best UK and international comedy, theatre, cabaret and panto, alongside a lively creative engagement programme.  Beautifully restored from the 1930s former Granada by Waltham Forest Council in partnership with Soho Theatre, the new venue includes a refurbished Grade II* listed auditorium, brand-new studio spaces, backstage facilities, four bars (Main Foyer, Ziggurat, Cross Hall and Circle), and a restaurant. Recreating the buzzing atmosphere of Soho Theatre Bar within a magnificent heritage surrounding, Soho Theatre will run the food & beverage offer in-house, featuring Neon, Soho Theatre’s own lager with Adnams and East London Brewery brewed locally in the borough.  A local theatre with a national profile, Soho Theatre Walthamstow will feature a world-class line-up for audiences from across London and beyond and will sit alongside Soho Theatre Dean Street as the iconic central London venue celebrates 25 years at the forefront of cutting-edge new theatre, comedy and cabaret. 

 

Soho Theatre Walthamstow announces initial programme

 

The opening season at Soho Theatre Walthamstow boasts an impressive lineup 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.  

Additionally, the theatre has commissioned Bryony Kimmings to present her first show in five years as “Bog Witch” 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, promises festive fun. Adding to the excitement, the season 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. For further programme details see listings in Notes to Editors. 

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).  

Aligning with Soho Theatre’s mission to create new work, nurture creative talent and engage diverse audiences, will be a line-up of taster workshops, full-length Local Labs, In Conversation events, Write Night (playwrights drop-in sessions) and The Makers Lab (a programme for solo artists or small ensembles to devise innovative new work).  Young people will be able to get involved through various schemes including the Primary Playwrights programme which supports young people (across five schools in the borough) to write their first play; the launch of Soho Theatre’s Panto Young Company, in partnership with Susie McKenna who will work with local performing arts schools; NT Connections which will give young people the chance to perform new work on stage by some of the UK’s most exciting writers and the continuation of Soho Theatre’s work with training programme Future Formed, with Waltham Forest Council, which supports access for young people into the cultural sector through training and paid placements in tech, producing and backstage. 

Soho Theatre Walthamstow is a vibrant new theatre steeped in a rich history. A performance venue since 1897, in 1930 the site was redeveloped and opened with exteriors designed by Cecil Masey and extraordinary ornate interior decoration by Theodore Komisarjevsky, inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. Majestic and awe-inspiring, the new Granada hosted comedy, panto, drag, music and film.  From the mid-1950s artists including The Beatles, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbinson, Dusty Springfield, The Who, The Ronettes, Chuck Berry, Duke Ellington and the Rolling Stones performed there, and a pantomime was presented each Christmas.  The last live performance took place in 1973 and the Granada became a cinema, changing owners until it became known as the EMD Cinema sadly closing its doors in 2003. 

In 2003 the building was sold to the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God and for more than a decade it lay empty as they sought planning permission to turn it into a church whilst it fell into disrepair.  Concerned about the loss of this much-loved cultural space, local grassroots groups including McGuffin Film Society and Save Walthamstow Cinema led a passionate campaign against losing its use as an entertainment venue and to preserve its heritage. In 2010 the Waltham Forest Cinema Trust joined the campaign, a newly established local group to bring a clear new vision for the venue’s viable future, working closely with Soho Theatre. Joining forces with Waltham Forest Council, they successfully demonstrated to a Public Inquiry that the venue could be reinvented as a new theatre for live performance, with a focus on comedy, panto and theatre. This led to the church’s planning application being decisively rejected for the final time. 

UCKG sold the building on to pub chain Antic in 2014, who briefly ran the bar Mirth, Marvel and Maud, opening up the magnificent historic foyer to the public for the first time in over 10 years. Having continued to develop the vision and detailed plans, Soho Theatre reached an agreement with Waltham Forest Council to operate the venue, and in 2019 Waltham Forest Council, in partnership with Soho Theatre purchased, and invested into the restoration of the former Granada Grade II* listed building as part of the council’s London Borough of Culture 2019 legacy commitment. They have worked with developers Willmott Dixon Interiors, Bond Bryan Architects Ltd to renovate, refurbish and breathe new life into the historic building, alongside Soho Theatre. The Soho Theatre team inputted into operation, architecture (with support from Matthew Baker, MAD-Design Ltd), design (with support from Jane Wheeler, JaneJaney Design) and how to make the venture successful. Together creating a major new cultural hub for London at the heart of the local community of Waltham Forest. 

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.”  

 

(L-R) Sam Hansford (co-Executive Director, Soho Theatre Walthamstow), Rosie Jones (comedian, writer & actor) and Mark Godfrey (co-Executive Director, Soho Theatre Walthamstow) outside the front of the new Soho Theatre Walthamstow, London.  Photo Credit: © DavidJensen

 

Co-Executive Directors of Soho Theatre Walthamstow Mark Godfrey and Sam Hansford said: “We’re thrilled to be announcing Soho Theatre Walthamstow’s opening and first shows. Decades in the making, this iconic building with a remarkable history is reinvented as a fantastic new venue for the future, supporting culture-led growth and regeneration. None of this would be possible without the passionate grassroots campaign to save it, and the commitment of Waltham Forest Council to invest in it. We thank the very many people who have contributed to it and can’t wait to announce more and to welcome you in from May. ” 

Co-Chair of Soho Theatre Walthamstow Alessandro Babalola said: “As someone who was born and raised in this borough, who loves this place, it is an astounding feeling to be a part of bringing a theatre here. Soho Theatre Walthamstow is going to be sensational: a world-class venue rooted in its community, giving local people the chance to access live performance. It’s something I’ve wanted since I was a kid when having to travel to surrounding boroughs. That 13 year-old me would now have that opportunity with the best theatre right on my doorstep? You can imagine how happy I feel.” 

Bill Hodgson, founder of the McGuffin Film Society which led the decade-long community campaign to save the venue for entertainment, said: “The restoration of this beautiful building has exceeded all our expectations and richly rewards everyone who campaigned for so long to secure its future. The new Soho Theatre Walthamstow builds on the great live entertainment and cine-variety traditions of this place while giving them a thoroughly modern twist. I’m sure the new venue will quickly become as treasured by local people as the original was.” 

Author Liz Hyder, recent winner of the Nero Book Award for Children’s Fiction, and one of the many campaigners from over the years said: “It really is a dream come true to see how the incredible restoration work has breathed new life into this unique building, transforming it into a welcoming venue for all the community. I can’t wait for its doors to be flung wide open for everyone to enjoy! So many people played a role over many years in helping to save the building and what better reward than for this jewel in Walthamstow’s crown to be shining bright once again? Wonderful!”

Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council said: ‘’We are thrilled, that after years of dedicated restoration, the former Granada Cinema building will soon reopen its doors as Soho Theatre Walthamstow this May! This exciting development promises to enrich our community with a diverse array of performances throughout the year. Beyond the stage, the team will continue to foster strong connections through community outreach, offering local job opportunities, dedicated spaces and special benefits for our residents and businesses. Together we look forward to creating a thriving place for everyone!’’ 

Cllr Rosalind Doré, Cabinet member for Libraries, Culture and Sports and Leisure said: ‘’We are delighted to announce the revival of our iconic venue, which embodies our vision from Waltham Forest as a vibrant ‘cultural neighbourhood’. This investment not only enriches our community but also strengthens our commitment to creating an economy that benefits everyone. As part of the London Borough of Culture 2019 legacy, we are dedicated to placing culture at the heart of our borough, enhancing the local evening and night-time economy while supporting our businesses and residents.’’ 

 

For press enquiries please contact 
Venue enquiries: Laura@aboutgracepr.com Mob. 07896 548180
Programme enquiries: Gaby@gabyjerrardpr.com Mob, 07808 472 139 

– ENDS –

 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

Soho Theatre Walthamstow
Address: 186 Hoe Street, E17 4QH
Website: sohotheatre.com / sohotheatre.com/walthamstow
Box Office: 020 7478 0100
Socials: 
Instagram / TikTok / YouTube: @sohotheatre
Bsky: @sohotheatre.bsky.social  

Assets:
Assets can be downloaded here 

LISTINGS 

2nd – 10th May: Natalie Palamides: WEER  

In the top ten comedy shows for 2024 (Guardian, Telegraph, Times, Chortle), Natalie Palamides’ tour-de-force WEER comes to Soho Theatre Walthamstow for a strictly limited run. Following its smash-hit sell-out runs in Edinburgh and at Soho Theatre, Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner Natalie Palamides (Nate, Netflix) presents an achingly tender 90s rom-drom (romantic dramedy) which asks you to look at every argument from two sides. ★★★★★  Telegraph 

16th May: Ahir Shah: ENDS 

Ahir Shah brings the Edinburgh Comedy Award-winning ENDS to Soho Theatre Walthamstow as part of his UK tour: a show about family, immigration, marriage, history, politics, and beans. His previous Fringe show, 2019’s Dots, is now a special on HBO Max, and he just launched the special of ENDS on Netflix in September 2024. As seen on Mock the Week, The Mash Report, QI, Live at the Apollo, Frankie Boyle’s New World Order, Have I Got News For You, and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. ★★★★★ Guardian 

17th May: Mark Watson: Before It Overtakes Us 

Walthamstow local, multi-award-winner and Radio 4 favourite Mark Watson launches his new tour at Soho Theatre Walthamstow, marking 20 years in stand-up with a brand-new show based on a recent encounter with a stranger that caused Mark to spend some time pondering the uncertain future facing humanity. ★★★★★ Daily Telegraph 

21st May: Barnes Children’s Lit Festival 

Soho Theatre Walthamstow opens its doors to the UK’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival. This free event from 10am to 2pm is for pupils at state maintained primary schools and features former Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, award-winning author Serena Patel and co-creator of the mega-hit Supertato series, Paul Linnet.  

21st May: Dara O’Briain: Re:Creation 

Dara will be bringing his new tour show to Soho Theatre Walthamstow for one night only after the huge international success of his last tour, ‘So, Where Were We?’  which sold out 173 venues across 20 countries and was named UK Comedy Tour of the Year 2023 (Chortle). Dara’s new show Re:Creation sees one of Ireland’s finest live comedians back doing his favourite thing: standing in a theatre, telling stories and creating madness with the audience. 

22nd May: Kiell Smith-Bynoe & Friends: Kool Story Bro 

Star of Taskmaster and Ghosts Kiell Smith-Bynoe is joined by an all–star cast of comedians and a very special guest host to turn stories from the audience into completely improvised comedy scenes. Kiell will be joined by members of Kool Story Bro’s rotating cast of improvisers, which includes Starstruck favourites Lola-Rose Maxwell and Nic Sampson, Afterlife and Austentatious’s Graham Dickson, Big Boys’ Robert Gilbert, Mock The Week’s Emily Lloyd-Saini, Shadow and Bone‘s Anna Leong-Brophy, Taskmaster’s Emma Sidi, and many more.  

23rd May: Josh Johnson 

Josh Johnson brings The Flowers Tour to Soho Theatre Walthamstow for his first ever UK show. With nearly 4 million followers across his social media, Josh Johnson was recently called “the funniest guy on the internet” by WIRED and is a star on the rise. He is an Emmy-nominated writer, stand-up comedian, actor, and NAACP award-winner from Louisiana by way of Chicago. Johnson is currently a correspondent on Comedy Central’s Emmy & Peabody Award-winning program The Daily Show where he was previously a writer for the past seven years. 

24th May: Tifo Live 

Join the cast of the Tifo Football Podcast for one night only at the Soho Theatre Walthamstow. Joe Devine, Seb Stafford-Bloor, JJ Bull & Jon Mackenzie will be recording the podcast live and in person on stage, looking ahead to the Premier League and Champions League finales, presenting a few set pieces, and taking some all-important questions from the audience. 

28th and 29th May: John Early: The Album Tour 

John Early brings The Album Tour to Soho Theatre Walthamstow for his biggest ever London shows.  His HBO stand up special, Now More Than Ever, was released to critical acclaim in June 2023 and was nominated for a Critic’s Choice Award and Emmy Award. John was also nominated for an Emmy award for his A24 sketch special Would it Kill You To Laugh co-created with his frequent collaborator Kate Berlant. John has also produced a revival of Wallace Shawn’s Marie and Bruce and directed Jacqueline Novak’s hit off-Broadway show Get On Your Knees. 

30th May, 27th June, 25th July: Neon Nights 

Neon Nights is Soho Theatre’s brand-new showcase spectacular featuring some of the comedy world’s most exciting names. 

The first iteration of their flagship line-up show, hosted by Thanyia Moore (Live At The Apollo)  is headlined by Sara Pascoe (Taskmaster, QI and Live At The Apollo) and features Rosie Jones (Live At The Apollo, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown), three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Larry Dean (Live At The Apollo, Royal Variety Performance), Tom Davis (Murder in Successville) and two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee Janine Harouni (The Russell Howard Hour). 

The second Neon Nights show, hosted by Edinburgh Comedy Award 2024 nominee Catherine Bohart (Live At The Apollo, Trusty Hogs), will be headlined by Phil Wang (star of Taskmaster, Have I Got News For You and two Netflix specials) and features Olga Koch (Live At The Apollo, QI), Jin Hao Li (Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee), Sindhu Vee (Live At The Apollo, QI) and Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee Josh Pugh (Live At The Apollo). 

The third Neon Nights show hosted by Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Ania Magliano (Live At The Apollo) will have Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show winner Sam Campbell (Taskmaster, Would I Lie To You) headlining, with spots from Slim (Live at the Apollo, The Russell Howard Hour), Jessica Fostekew (Live At The Apollo, QI), Desiree Burch (Have I Got New For You, Frankie Boyle’s New World Order), and Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer Winner Urooj Ashfaq. 

6th June: The Tiger Lillies: Soho songs 

The world’s foremost neo-Brechtian-post-punk-falsetto-squeezebox-gypsy-cabaret-three-piece band takes up residence at Soho Walthamstow for one night only with a Soho-themed show drawing on frontman Martyn Jacques‘s life in the neighbourhood in the ’80s – gangsters and working girls, late-night boozers and drugs, friends past and present. Double Olivier award winners, their shows are dark, peculiar and varied, with moments of black humour and immense beauty. This unique, Brechtian Street opera trio tour the world playing concerts and theatre shows such as their new show A Macbeth Song, The Ancient Mariner and the West End hit Shockheaded Peter. ★★★★★ The Guardian 

7th June: CHRISTEENE 

A triumphant return to Soho Theatre for one of Soho’s all-time classic artists- the peerless CHRISTEENE – in an all new, powerfully imagined theatrical backed by band and dancers. The artist has collaborated with, as well as performed with, numerous acclaimed musicians, including Faith No More, Peaches, Fever Ray, John Grant, Kembra Pfahler, Suicide, Roddy Bottum, Tribe 8, Narcissister, Marc Almond, Bronski Beat, and Justin Vivian Bond. Longtime collaborators include award winning filmmaker PJ Raval, along with iconic fashion designer Rick Owens and artist Michèle Lamy. 

14th June: Sarah Keyworth: My Eyes Are Up Here  

Sarah Keyworth will be bringing their Melbourne International Comedy Award Winning and Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominated show My Eyes Are Up Here to Soho Theatre Walthamstow next summer. My Eyes Are Up Here sees Keyworth reflect on the past year of turning 30, being diagnosed with ADHD and having top surgery as they go home for the first time post-surgery to celebrate their mum’s own milestone birthday. Sarah has appeared on Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, 8 Out of 10 Cats, ITV’s The Stand Up Sketch Show and Comedy Central’s Roast Battle. Their BBC Radio 4 show Are You A Boy or A Girl is available to stream on BBC Sounds. ★★★★★ Daily Telegraph 

26th June: Dale Elliott 

Jamaican-born comedian Dale Elliott Jr. brings his highly anticipated Son Of An Immigrant World Tour to Walthamstow for his biggest London show to date. Drawing from his experience as a child left behind while both parents ventured to “foreign,” Elliott masterfully weaves cultural expectations, identity shifts, and the perpetual quest for validation into sharp, relatable humour. 

18th – 19th July: On Cinema Live with Tim Heidecker & Gregg Turkington 

Alt-comedy legends Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington bring the live version of their web series and podcast On Cinema to the UK for the first time. A comedic cinematic universe, a grand satire of America itself–Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington’s On Cinema has built a dedicated cult following as a sprawling comedic soap opera masquerading as a disastrous movie review show. On Cinema was named by SPIN as one of the “30 Great TV Shows That Defined The 2010’s” 

29th – 30th August: Biswa Kaylan Rath 

After multiple sell-out runs at Soho Theatre Dean Street, join Biswa Kalyan Rath for his biggest ever London shows at Soho Theatre Walthamstow. Biswa is diving deep into the labyrinth of the English language, love and marriage (yes they are separate and you will know why!) and a little bit of cross-border curiosity. From the hip lingo of South Bombay’s elite to the peculiar quirks of English words, Biswa’s sharp wit and observational humour will have you laughing until your sides ache, with the same intensity of how Mumbaikars heads ache while hunting for flats. And as if that weren’t enough, he’ll also tackle the delicate dance of negotiating with your spouse on daily chores and the bureaucratic maze that a govt office is. Performed in Hindi 

4th September: Stamptown 

A raunchy, chaotic and full-on fringe experience, Stamptown is a late-night variety show featuring the best alternative performance on the international scene. Hosted by the bad boy of clown, Zach Zucker, Stamptown has packed out shows at Edinburgh Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Glastonbury and Off-Broadway in New York City. Each night features special guests drawn from a line-up including: Viggo Venn, Stevie Martin, Kemah Bob, Sikisa, Flo & Joan, Elf Lyons, Olga Koch, Séayoncé, Natalie Palamides, Steffen Hanes, Erin Farrington, Marshall Arkley, Ryley Clement, Cirque Alfonse, Huge Davies, Leo Reich, BriTANicK, Annabel Marlow, Martin Urbano, Mark Silcox and more. ★★★★ Guardian 

5th September: Jack Tucker 

The bad boy of clown, Jack Tucker, brings his award-winning comedy to Walthamstow! A legend on the Upstate New York comedy scene, Tucker is a comedian’s comedian, juggling a crumbling marriage, a disappointed son, and relentless loan sharks—all while doing whatever it takes to make you laugh. If the joke doesn’t land, it’s not because it isn’t funny – you just didn’t get it. Having sold out shows in cities like New York, London, and Mumbai with 498 walkouts worldwide, this critically acclaimed act by Zach Zucker, directed and co-devised by Jonny Woolley, is a must-see. ★★★★★ Entertainment Focus  

6th September: Rahul Dua 

One of the leading stand-ups in India will be performing at Soho Theatre Walthamstow for his biggest UK show to date. He is a comedian, actor, writer, creator & has been seen as a host in SharkTank India’s Seasons 2 & 3 and Comicstaan 3. Rahul has toured over 25 countries, sold over 100,000 tickets worldwide, worked with over a 100 brands and he boasts a community of over 800K on IG and over a million on YT.  Please note this show will be performed in Hindi. 

9th – 13th September: Brown Girls Do It Too: Mama Told Me Not To Come (Again) 

Award-winning and groundbreaking BBC Sounds podcast and Dean Street favourites Brown Girls Do It Too will be bringing their trademark honesty, quick wit and infectious personalities to Walthamstow in September. Poppy and Rubina reflect on what it means to be Brown British women and explore the seminal moments from their lives from first orgasms and loves to racism and family politics. With songs, sketches and some very graphic content, this is a celebration of brown British women, genital warts and all. ★★★★ Evening Standard  

3rd October: Suzi Ruffell: The Juggle 

One of the UK’s finest stand-ups and a Soho regular, Suzi Ruffell (Live at the Apollo, The Jonathan Ross Show, The Last Leg and QI.) brings The Juggle to us as part of her UK tour. It’s hard to be good all the time. A good mother, a good daughter, a good partner, a good friend, a good person. To be ambitious but not ruthless; a success but not a sell-out. A gentle parent but not a pushover. To be smashing life and make it look easy. The juggle. Suzi is exhausted and she hasn’t even started. This is a stand-up show and a support group!  ★★★★  Evening Standard   

9th – 25th October: Bog Witch by Bryony Kimmings 

Bryony Kimmings was wrangled enough. Single mum, sick kid, slammed with work, terrible anxiety barely keeping it together…she didn’t have time to think about the planet, thanks. But then she fell in love with an eco-warrior and all hell broke loose. In Kimmings’ first show for nearly half a decade, Bog Witch is a show about uncertain times and finding new ways to be happy, commissioned and created to celebrate the opening of Soho Theatre Walthamstow. Previously at Soho Theatre, Bryony Kimmings award-winning and critically acclaimed shows Fake it ’til You Make It, Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model, Seven Day Drunk and Sex Idiot. ★★★★★ Guardian 

8th November: Josie Long – Now Is The Time Of Monsters 

A new show from multiple Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominated Josie Long about extinct gigantic, charismatic, megafauna. Coming to Walthamstow in November, Josie will bring her distinctive warmth and charm to discuss discovery, wonder, extinction and how to walk through a landscape of monstrous disaster. ★★★★ Guardian 

13th – 15th November: Un-Royal Variety Silver Jubilee – 25 years of Soho 

It’s been seven years since alt-drag megastar Jonny Woo unleashed this beast of a show and now it has a new home, Soho Theatre Walthamstow, a spectacular restoration of an historic music venue, where for three consecutive nights the lovely new roof will be officially raised with gasps, laughs and roars of un-adulterated joy. Woo curates and hosts this glorious punk pastiche of the classic ‘Royal Variety’ with a rocking in-house band, a dazzling dance troupe and a line-up of some of the best and wildest acts from Soho Theatre’s stella rostra of acts and Woo’s own gaggle of brilliant collaborators. Previous guests on the ‘Un-Royal’ bill have included: Adrienne Truscott, CHRISTEENE, Mawaan Rizwan, Myra Dubois, Leah Shelton, Pete and Bambi, Jayde Adams, Lucy McCormick, Diane Chorley, La Gateau Chocolat, Lavinia Co-Op, Freida Slaves and Bourgeois & Maurice. 

 21st – 22nd November: Adam Kay: UNDOCTORED 

Bestselling show of Edinburgh Fringe 2023. The nation’s twelfth-favourite doctor brings his brand new show on tour, fresh from a record-breaking run at the Edinburgh Fringe and a sell-out season in the West End. This is Going to Hurt was a literary sensation, selling three million copies and becoming a multi-BAFTA-winning BBC series. Undoctored follows on from This is Going to Hurt, leaving audiences laughing and crying with Adam’s unique tales of life on and off the wards. It also contains the ‘degloving’ story because people ask for refunds if they don’t hear it. ★★★★ Evening Standard 

Winter 2025/ 26 – Soho Theatre pantomime: Aladdin & The Magic Lamp 

Soho Theatre presents the first ever annual pantomime at Soho Theatre Walthamstow, Aladdin & The Magic Lamp. This modern retelling of the pantomime you know and love, set in the Walthamstow you know and love, with all the mayhem and magic, wise-cracking genies, mischievous monkeys, soul funk music and heroic adventure your heart’s desire! Written and directed by the award-winning actor, director, writer and Panto legend Susie McKenna.  

 

BIOGRAPHIES 

SOHO THEATRE  

SOHO THEATRE is London’s most vibrant producer for new theatre, comedy and cabaret. Our central London venue in Dean Street, opening in 2000, is established as one of the UK’s busiest with a buzzing bar, lively audiences and diverse year-round festival programme with a queer, punk, counter-culture flavour. In 2025 our second London venue Soho Theatre Walthamstow opens with first shows now on sale. Work extends beyond our venues with a full touring programme and strong international connections with New York, Melbourne and Mumbai. Edinburgh Fringe is a huge part of our year, we present many shows and scout hundreds more and we are the UK’s leading presenter of Indian comedians. Our filmed comedy specials can be seen on international airlines and online. And our artist development and participation programmes are as important as the work on our stages. Soho Theatre is a charity and social enterprise. Soho Theatre Walthamstow is a community interest company. sohotheatre.com / @sohotheatre  

MARK GODFREY – Executive Director & CEO 

Within a collaborative leadership team, Mark oversees the business and organisational growth of Soho as a dynamic charity and social enterprise. He co-led the original capital project to create Soho Theatre on Dean Street which opened in 2000 and has steered the company’s growth since including the development of Soho Theatre Walthamstow, Soho’s comedy and digital programmes and the company’s work with Indian and South Asian artists. Previous roles include working at Oval House (now Brixton House), in marketing at Price Waterhouse and London Chamber of Commerce, co-owning a restaurant and deli operation in Walthamstow, and programming the RSC’s first comedy seasons in Stratford. He has sat on boards including DV8 Physical Theatre, Talawa, Synergy Theatre Project, Oval House, and co-founded Waltham Forest Cinema Trust, part of the grassroots campaign to save the former Granada.  

SAM HANSFORD  – Co-Executive Director 

Sam Hansford re-joined Soho Theatre in 2023 as Co-Executive Director Soho Theatre Walthamstow, working with Mark Godfrey to lead on the opening of the new venue. Sam was previously Executive Director at The Yard Theatre in Hackney Wick, and Executive Director and joint CEO at Mountview drama school in Peckham. Until 2018, Sam worked at Soho Theatre as Business Development Manager and played a key role in the development of Soho Theatre Walthamstow, working with Waltham Forest Council and local residents to develop plans for a live comedy and theatre venue, as well as leading on a new digital channel and partnerships in the UK and India.  

ALESSANDRO BABALOLA – Creative Associate and Co-Chair Soho Theatre Walthamstow  

Soho Theatre’s Creative Associate and Co- Chair of Soho Theatre Walthamstow (alongside Lucy Davies), Alessandro Babalola, is an Olivier award-winning actor, writer, director, musician and dramaturg, of Nigerian descent, born and raised in Leyton, East London. Alongside performing in Off West End plays and Fringe Theatre productions, including Olivier Award-winning ‘FLESH & BONE’ (National Theatre, Soho Theatre), Alessandro’s film and tv credits include short film ‘Samantha’s Choice’ (Cannes Film Festival 2016), ‘Top Boy’ (Netflix, Season 3), ‘Cursed’ (Netflix), ‘The Unforgotten’ (ITV) and Guy Ritchie’s films ‘Wrath Of Man’ (2021) and ‘The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ (2024). He has also written and directed four plays.