Soho Theatre Walthamstow has been recognised as Theatre Building of the Year at The Stage Awards 2026.
Earlier this month we were at The Royal Opera House for the Stage Awards 2026, where Rose Abderabbani (Head of Theatre Programme) and Alessandro Babalola (Creative Associate, and co-Chair, Soho Theatre Walthamstow) accepted the award for Theatre Building of the Year. Rose and Alessandro represented the venue on behalf of CEO and co-Executive Director Mark Godfrey and co-Executive Director Sam Hansford, who were in India with colleagues as part of our ongoing cultural exchange with international partners NCPA Mumbai. They were accompanied by the wider team including Bhavita Bhatt (Fundraising & Partnerships Director), Kelly Fogarty (Communications Head: Press & PR) and Augustin Wecxsteen (Communications Manager: Press & PR).
In his acceptance speech, Alessandro Babalola said: “This award from The Stage means a lot, highlighting our theatre and new writing programme, which sometimes gets overlooked with the high profile of our comedy programme. We think they go hand in hand brilliantly and complement each other, so we’re delighted and hugely appreciative it’s taking centre stage tonight.”
The award shines the spotlight on our iconic Grade II* listed theatre and the impact of the venue since its launch in May 2025. Home to a breath-taking 962-seat auditorium, bars and studio spaces, Soho Theatre Walthamstow brings world class culture to the heart of East London and nurtures young people and local emerging artists through workshops and talent development Labs.
Alessandro and Rose thanked all the incredible people who have made the building’s success possible: Waltham Forest Council, campaigners, freelancers and agency support, Soho Theatre board members, staff, artists, audiences and residents who have brought the auditorium to life each night. This award is also a testament to the outstanding design from architects Pilbrow and Partners, Wilmott Dixon Interiors, Plann, Bond Bryan Architects, Jane Wheeler (JaneJaney Design) and Matthew Baker (Studio-M). The communications campaign for Soho Theatre Walthamstow also received valuable support from agencies and freelancers including AKA, About Grace PR, and Gaby Jerrard PR.
Culminating the award proceedings, Alessandro was invited as a guest on BBC Radio London (timestamp: 3:50:50). He spoke to presenter Victoria Hollins about the honour of accepting the award, the journey of bringing our incredible building to life and a sneak peek into some upcoming shows.
Looking forward to the year ahead, Soho Theatre Walthamstow will continue its winning streak by hosting a world-class lineup of theatre, comedy and cabaret. This year, Natalie Palamides returns with critically-acclaimed WEER, followed by a transfer of Haley McGee’s Olivier-nominated AGE IS A FEELING and JINKX MONSOON IS JUDY GARLAND IN END OF THE RAINBOW. Coming up in comedy, MARIA BAMFORD, PHIL WANG, EMMA DORAN, LENNY HENRY and our monthly showcase spectacular, NEON NIGHTS, featuring some of the most electrifying names on the comedy circuit.