Soho Theatre Walthamstow will open in May this year with comedy performances from Dara O’Briain, Sarah Keyworth and Mark Watson, new work from Bryony Kimmings and the first pantomime on this stage for 70 years.
The major new London venue has been restored from the beloved 1930s former Granada and will feature a 960-seat auditorium and studio spaces, with an ambition to bring the best of the Soho Theatre’s programme to a bigger audience.
The opening season boasts a line-up of comedy and cabaret performances. Natalie Palamides returns to London with WEER, alongside solo shows from O’Briain, Keyworth and local comedian Watson.
The venue will also host the US alt-comedy superstar 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 comedy lineup show, Neon Nights, will feature talents 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.
Meanwhile, the theatre has commissioned Bryony Kimmings to present her first show in five years, with Bogwitch opening this October.
Cabaret stars The Tiger Lillies will also deliver a specially curated Soho-themed performance for one night only.
The inaugural pantomime, Aladdin & The Magic Lamp, written and directed by Susie McKenna, returns pantomime to this stage for the first time in 70 years.
There will also be a live version of 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.
Tickets go on sale at 10am on Thursday, January 30. Full details: www.sohotheatre.com