A little over a month before Soho Theatre Walthamstow opens its doors to the public with a fantastic programme, we thought we’d take a moment to announce a brilliant line-up of creative engagement events for those who live, work or study in Waltham Forest (with the exception of Write Night, open to everyone), aligned with Soho Theatre’s mission to create new work, nurture creative talent and engage diverse audiences.
The programme is packed with opportunities to try something new and connect with great people, from wonderful projects that we’ve loved running at 21 Dean Street and can’t wait to bring to Walthamstow, to brand new initiatives that we’ll be launching for the very first time.
Let’s take a look at what’s coming up…
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
From music tech sessions for young creatives to theatre workshops for older residents, storytelling fun for little ones, and inclusive events for families, this wide-ranging programme is vast and aims to serve and reflect the diverse Waltham Forest community.
We’re partnering with some incredible local organisations who’ll be taking up residency with us over the summer, bringing more opportunities for the community to connect, create, and have fun.
Here’s what to expect:
For Young Creatives and Music Makers
We’re teaming up with Waltham Forest Music Service to run Beats and Bass: Music Tech Tasters, perfect for young people aged 11-18 who are itching to explore music production. Whether you’re a budding producer, MC, songwriter, or composer, you’ll get hands-on with music software, electronic instruments, and top-notch recording equipment. It’s the perfect chance to for young people to hone their skills or try something totally new.
For Little Ones (and Their Grown-Ups)
Expect plenty of magic, music, and storytelling with the brilliant folks from Little Sing Song and Magic Box, who’ll be leading workshops designed to spark creativity and imagination in little ones (and keep grown-ups smiling too).
Little Sing Song will be hosting mornings filled with music and singing that don’t just revolve around your typical nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers aged 0+. Magic Box will be weaving music and interactive storytelling for an hour of imaginative fun for little ones aged 18 months+ and grown-ups alike.
The Together Space
We’re so excited to be hosting The Together Space for a series of monthly events for families with both disabled and non-disabled children between the ages of 0-16. This will be a safe, welcoming space where families can relax, have fun, and connect while learning more about neurodiversity and disability. The aim? To bring families together and break down social barriers in the most joyful way possible.
Communi-tea
For our community members aged 50+, Communi-tea continues. These lively, low-pressure sessions offer the chance to try some chair yoga and theatre and comedy workshops, led by artists Jessica Green and Ben Salmon. It’s all about having a laugh, meeting new people, and trying something creative.
We’re proud to be offering a vast, inclusive programme that celebrates the creativity and diversity of Waltham Forest, with opportunities for everyone in the community to get involved, whether it’s your first time picking up a mic or you’re a seasoned theatre maker.
TASTERS
We’re excited to be offering a range of taster sessions that are open to absolutely anyone aged 18-100, and we really welcome and encourage people of all ages from all backgrounds and lived experiences to participate. Every Saturday across May and June, we’ll be offering taster sessions for you to try your hand in Stand-Up Comedy, Character Comedy, and Cabaret & Drag. Each session will be led by top-tier industry pros, including the likes of Len Blanco, Sikisa, and Jonathan Oldfield. These tasters will run alongside our existing Labs programme at Dean Street and, on top of this, Esther Manito and Len Blanco will also be running once-a-month sessions for specific groups – Stand-Up Comedy for Women from Muslim Backgrounds, Cabaret & Drag for People from Global Majority Backgrounds and Cabaret & Drag for d/Deaf and Disabled artists. Our Tasters aim to offer everyone the space to explore their creativity and connect with other artists in a fun and supportive environment.
WRITE NIGHT
In our chats and consultations with local residents, we heard people wanted more opportunities for writers. So, we’re proud to introduce Write Night, a series of monthly sessions for absolutely anyone with an interest in playwriting.
On the first Thursday of every month, we will be offering sessions led by Soho Theatre’s very own Creative Associate, Pooja Sivaraman, and Walthamstow playwright, Sonali Bhattacharyya (Young Vic, Donmar, Orange Tree Theatre).
HOW TO BOOK
All Workshops, Tasters and Labs are available to book via our Walthamstow What’s On page.
Media gallery
Listings
BEATS AND BASS: MUSIC TECH TASTERS
Tue 17 Jun & Tue 15 Jul
4.30pm – 6pm for 11-14 year olds / 6.30pm – 8pm for 15-18 year olds
Soho Theatre Walthamstow
Free
This summer, Soho Theatre and Waltham Forest Music Service is hosting a friendly intro to Music Tech for young people between 11 and 18. An introduction to music tech for aspiring young producers, composers, songwriters, and MCs interested in creating their own beats and backing tracks. Try your hand at working with music production software, experiment with electronic instruments or try recording vocals or live instruments using studio quality microphones. Waltham Forest Music Service (WFMS) provides music groups and tuition for all ages and abilities
MUSICAL MAGIC BOX: FOR TODDLERS, SMALL CHILDREN AND THEIR GROWN-UPS
Tue 20 May, Tue 17 Jun, Tue 15 Jul & Tue 22 Jul
10.30am – 11.30am
Ages 18 months+
Soho Theatre Walthamstow
From £8
Embark on a storytelling adventure with Lottie and her Magic Box, accompanied by the wonderful Andy and his guitar. Help tell the story, get involved in the new songs – and who knows what you will meet along the way? A brave princess? An inquisitive inventor? A grumpy unicorn? A volcano? Even some magic recycling bins? Musical Magic Box presents – interactive storytelling with live music. Original stories, original songs. Join Lottie and Andy for an energetic hour of imaginative fun for small people and their grown-ups.
LITTLE SING SONG: FUN SINGALONGS FOR LITTLE ONES AND THEIR GROWN-UPS
Tue 13 May, Tue 10 Jun, Tue 8 Jul & Tue 5 Aug
10.30am – 11.15am
Ages 0+
Soho Theatre Walthamstow
From £8
A fun and heart-warming group for babies, toddlers and their grown-ups to come together and enjoy singing some of the favourite songs…and we don’t just mean nursery rhymes. From Classical to Jazz, Pop to Reggae and more. Expect a bit of ukulele and a whole load of smiles.
THE TOGETHER SPACE
Sat 19 Jul for ages 12 – 16 & Sat 2 Aug for ages 0 – 12
2pm – 4.30pm & 10am – 12.30pm
Soho Theatre Walthamstow
From £10
This summer we’re hosting local company The Together Space who create spaces for disabled and non-disabled children, young people and their families to comfortably socialise, learn, play & relax together. Enjoy a hub where families of children with SEND can feel safe, feel supported and share experiences. It is a space for neurotypical families to come and learn about disability and neurodiversity. Most importantly, it is a place where all families can come to have fun and relax together, without stigma or awkwardness. All children’s tickets include access to all activities on offer, inflatables and sensory space.
COMMUNI-TEA: MEET UP FOR OVER 50S
Tue 13 May, Tue 10 Jun, Tue 8 Jul & Tue 12 Aug
2pm – 4.30pm
Ages 50+
Soho Theatre Walthamstow
From £5
Soho Theatre and Leyton-based Communi-tea and bringing these relaxed and informal sessions to the new Soho Theatre Walthamstow this summer. Each session includes a satisfying combination of chair-based Yoga-inspired exercise plus a Soho Theatre intro to theatre and comedy workshop. All abilities are welcome. The session is unpressurised, and you can participate in as much as you want. The intro to theatre will be led by Jessica Green, the Communi-tea workshop leader. The comedy workshop will help you find your comedic voice and hone your writing and performing skills. Led by theatre-maker and performer Ben Salmon you’ll be able to do as little or as much as you’re able.
STAND-UP TASTER LAB
Different times in May & June – see website for more details
Ages 18+
Soho Theatre Walthamstow
From £5
It’s time to set your inner comedian free. Try your hand at stand-up comedy, figure out how to write a joke, and explore comedic storytelling in our Stand-Up Comedy taster sessions. Led by comedian, writer and producer Sikisa (Live at the Apollo, Comedy Central Live, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club on ITV, Off Menu and Evil Genius on BBC Sounds) and the incredible self-proclaimed ‘Essex Arab Girl Comedian’ Esther Manito (Live at the Apollo, Hell Hath No Fury national tour, Crusade on ITVX). Open to everyone 18+ who’s ever wanted to try stand-up. You can have any level of experience (including none at all), from all backgrounds and lived experiences.
CHARACTER COMEDY TASTER LAB
Different times in May & June – see website for more details
Ages 18+
Soho Theatre Walthamstow
From £5
Create a new character, unlock your creativity and find what makes you uniquely funny by trying out our Character Comedy taster. From Diane Morgan to Victoria Wood, Alan Partridge to Lolly Adefope, there’s a rich history of UK character comedians – now it’s your turn to find freedom, joy and hilarity in yourself, by pretending to be somebody else
CABARET & DRAG TASTER LABS
Different times in May & June – see website for more details
Ages 18+
Soho Theatre Walthamstow
From £5
Come discover the world of lipsyncing, wild costumes and glitter. Our Cabaret & Drag taster sessions are run by drag king, musician, comedian and performance-maker, Len Blanco (All the King’s Men in the West End, All Together Now on BBC One).
WRITE NIGHT
First Thursdays of the month (Jun 2025 – Mar 2026)
7pm – 9.30pm
Ages 18+
Soho Theatre Walthamstow
£15
Write Night is a series of monthly sessions for anyone interested in writing for the stage. Sessions are on the first Thursday evening of every month, run by Soho Theatre’s very own Creative Associate Pooja Sivaraman, and Walthamstow playwright Sonali Bhattacharyya (who has written plays for the Young Vic, Donmar Warehouse, Orange Tree Theatre as well as many more for stage and screen). Whether you’re a total beginner or a more experienced writer, Write Night is open to everyone.