Soho Theatre Walthamstow
A sensitive refurbishment breathes new life into The Grade II* listed Granada Cinema Walthamstow, opening its doors as Soho Theatre’s latest incarnation.
Photos
David Levene
The Granada Cinema in Walthamstow, north London has long served as a cultural and community landmark in north east London. Originally opened in 1929 as a grand single- screen cinema, the building has taken on many roles since, from a music venue in the 1950s and 60s to a three-screen multiplex in the 1970s. After a brief stint as a bingo hall the building – which is fondly referred to by its original title ‘Granada Cinema’ – closed its doors in 2003 and remained empty for over a decade. But there is life in the old building yet – and this month the building opened its doors as ‘Soho Theatre Walthamstow’.
The potential of the derelict site in the heart of London’s 2019 Borough of Culture, spurred on a spirited public campaign that secured the backing of Historic England, the Theatres Trust and crucially, Waltham Forest Council. The council acquired the building and invested in its restoration as part of their commitment to place culture at the heart of its communities.
Soho Theatre Walthamstow (a community interest company) will manage the transformed venue on a long-term partnership agreement, promising to deliver a local theatre with a national profile.
Amongst others, Massey was also responsible for the listed Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End, The Grenada Cinema in Tooting that is now a Gala Bingo, and The Granada Theatre in Clapham, which is now a conference centre that sits on the intersection between St John’s Hill and Plough Road.
The original Grenada Cinema is one of the best surviving examples of Spanish-Arabic architecture in the country, and specialists from Historic England have assisted architecture practice Studio-M in a sensitive and energising restoration. Pilbrow & Partners were responsible for Concept Design before passing the project over to Studio-M from Stage 3 onwards. The Grade II listed cinema was designed by theatre architect Cecil Massey in collaboration with set designer Theodore Komisarjevsky and is one of the original 60-odd theatres and cinemas that were part of Sidney Bernstein’s original Granada Group.
At the heart of the complex is the main auditorium restored with help from experts at Theatre Projects and Charcoalblue. The result is the thorough preservation of Art Deco interiors by Komisarjevsky. In adjusting the seating arrangement to become steeper, the architects were able to design an additional foyer on the lower ground level serving the stalls, as well as a new bar at the rear of the upper circle. New back of house spaces have also been created, along with two additional circulation cores on either side to improve accessibility throughout.
Interior designer and scenographer Jane Wheeler conducted a meticulous paint analysis that revealed how the walls throughout the site would have appeared over Granada Theatres various iterations. Her findings have influenced rich pairings of sparkly golds, and deep pink velvets. A double-height lobby and upper foyer have been restored to their original bubble-gum pink hue, and remain open throughout the day as a community space.
Another welcome addition is the new suit of spaces which will host smaller shows, workshops and educational programmes. These sit above the foyer which is accessed from the original restored Hoe Street facade.
The theatre opens with Natalie Palamides: WEER which will run from Friday May 2nd to Saturday May 10th.
Credits
Client – London Borough of Waltham Forest
Operator – Soho Theatre
Concept architect – Pilbrow & Partners
Construction architect – Bond Brian Architects
Contractor – Willmott Dixon Interiors
Interior Design – Jane Wheeler & Studio-M
Theatre Consultants – Theatre Projects and Charcoalblue
Consultant Project Director – Plann
Additional images
Nelly Greig2025-05-01T11:16:52+01:00
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Source: Architecture Today
