The Soho Theatre Walthamstow in Hoe Street is set to open its doors to the public next Friday (May 9) after undergoing a mass restoration.
The venue has been used for entertainment since 1897 and, in 1930, it was redeveloped and opened as the Granada theatre.
It hosted live theatre and music shows including performances by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Chuck Berry amongst others.
In 1973, the last live performance took place before the site was sold and became a cinema.
In 2003 the cinema closed its doors, and the venue lay derelict until now.
The theatre hasn’t hosted a live show since 1973 (Image: David Levene) Mark Godfrey, co-executive director of Soho Theatre, told this paper: “In 2003 the building was bought by the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God and they wanted to turn it into a church but there was a fantastic local campaign to reserve the building as a place of entertainment.
“I first connected with the campaign in 2010 and attended a meeting out of curiosity – I saw huge passion for the building, but people weren’t quite sure what they wanted it to be.
“We came up with the idea of a local theatre with a national profile.”
In 2019, Waltham Forest Council partnered with Soho Theatre, who have an existing theatre in Dean Street, to buy and restore the former Grade II listed building as part of the council’s London Borough of Culture 2019 Legacy commitment.
Jess Draper, head of creative engagement at Soho Theatre, said: “It’s been saved by a passionate grassroots campaign.
“This place is breathtaking – and for it to be back in use, it is such a special moment for everyone.”
The redevelopment of the 960-seater building incorporates original designs from the Granada such as the colour scheme and even original chandeliers – each of which weigh a tonne.
A modern emphasis was placed on intimate seating, allowing a closer connection between performer and audience as well as spacious dressing room areas for performers.
The theatre also contains studio spaces, four bars and ongoing work for a restaurant.
“The building was built by an entertainment entrepreneur, Sidney Bernstein, as well as an architect and theatre designer – we were the same, working with architects and stage designers.
“They built this place in the 1930s, the golden age of Hollywood and they were aiming to create a fantastic night out for guests and that’s exactly what we’re trying to do here as well.
“It’s so fantastic to see people’s reactions when they see the space.
“We are hugely excited to open and a little bit nervous.”
The first performance of the new Soho Theatre will be Weer, a rom-com starring Natalie Palamides, which Jess described as “needing to be seen to be believed”.
She was also excited about upcoming performances from comedian and actor Tim Minchin, mixed comedy nights and pantomime performances of Aladdin.
