Soho Theatre in Walthamstow

Our interior specialist Willmott Dixon Interiors has transformed the iconic and popular Grade 2* listed former EMD Cinema into a stunning new multi-purpose entertainment venue called Soho Theatre.

Just like with other London landmarks like Old Admiralty Building, Alexandra Palace and The Commonwealth Institute, our team has given a new lease of life to this art deco building in Walthamstow that originally opened as a cinema in 1930 and in its heyday saw performances from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Dusty Springfield and Johnny Cash.

Our work maintained the building’s appearance and character, to “respect its heritage and history” by carefully reviving its historic features using an “arrested decay” approach in the main auditorium which retains the space's character, while key features such as the foyer, ziggurat ceiling and main façade have been restored and repaired.

“arrested decay” approach in the main auditorium to retain the theatre's character

Theatre fit for the future

The centre is a 960 new theatre that includes a fully restored and refurbished main auditorium, complete with new stage and seating arrangements to enhance sightlines and acoustics. There are three new bar areas, two studio spaces, a media suite and a café catering to local residents and visiting audiences.

Picture courtesy of David Levene

Fine history

The Granada Cinema is famous for its association with Alfred Hitchcock who spent time there in his formative years. In 1930, it became a 2,697 seat cinema and in later years, as a result of changes in the building's ownership, the cinema was variously known as MGM, ABC, and EMD cinema.

At the time of its closure as a cinema in December 2003, it was the only cinema to have an original working Christie Organ still in place at the cinema where it was originally installed.

Now the future is bright with Soho Theatre on board to operate the building as a new cultural venue for North East London, operating as a local theatre with a national profile, presenting the biggest names in comedy plus theatre, performance, music, pantomime and community and education programmes.

What people are saying:

Simon Wilson, operations director at Willmott Dixon Interiors:

"Restoring the Grade II* listed former Granada cinema has been an incredibly rewarding journey. Not only have we brought this much-loved building back to life as a world-class entertainment venue, but we have also delivered substantial social and economic value for the local community. Our project team has successfully balanced the preservation of the building’s heritage with the need for a modern, functional space. We’re proud to have played a part in its revival and are excited to see the positive impact it will have on the local community for years to come."

Cllr Ahsan Khan, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and regeneration:

“We are thrilled that after years of dedicated restoration the former Granada cinema building reopened its doors as Soho Theatre Walthamstow this May. The revival of this iconic venue embodies our vision of Waltham Forest as a vibrant neighbourhood where there is culture on every corner. Our investment will create new job opportunities for local people, provide an important boost to the night-time economy, and open up the joy of creating and performing to a new generation. The long-term benefits will make a real difference for everyone that lives, works, or studies in Waltham Forest.”

Courtney Cole, client relationship manager - South at Procurement Hub:

“We’re proud to celebrate the completion of the former Granada cinema building – a stunning restoration of a 1930s cinema-turned-theatre. Thanks to the vision of the London Borough of Waltham Forest and the expertise of Willmott Dixon Interiors, the building has been transformed into a vibrant, multi-use space for the local community. It’s been a pleasure working with both parties on bringing this historic gem back to life.”

A track record for refurbishing high street jewels

The project follows similar schemes to transform Grade 2* and heritage property across the UK into popular entertainment venues, including the Stockton Globe, Bristol Beacon, Darlington Hippodrome, Octagon Theatre in Bolton and Eltham Cinema in Greenwich.

If further strengthens Willmott Dixon Interiors' track-record for heritage property renewal in London. The company also refurbished Old Admiralty Building adjacent to Horse Guards Parade and The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square.

Picture courtesy of David Levene