Soho Walthamstow announces opening plans

Picture of Funny Women

Funny Women

Soho Theatre Walthamstow

Soho Theatre Walthamstow is due to open its doors in May 2025 with a vibrant and eclectic first programme of work, bringing the best of Soho Theatre’s acclaimed programme to a bigger audience.

The new venue has been restored from the much-loved 1930s former Granada and will feature a staggering 960-seat auditorium and studio spaces and will be home to a whole variety of national and international acts covering comedy, cabaret, theatre and panto.

To top it off, Soho Walthamstow will be providing a creative engagement programme including heritage building tours and cross-borough events such as a two-day film festival celebrating Walthamstow’s contribution to the world of cinema, curated by the McGuffin Film Society. More details on the festival will be released shortly.

Kicking off their first season are an incredible range of acts including Funny Women Awards winners, runner ups and finalists:

  • Thanyia Moore – 2017 Stage award winner
  • Rosie Jones – 2016 Stage award finalist
  • Catherine Bohart – 2016 Stage award finalist
  • Sarah Keyworth – 2015 Stage award runner up
  • Sindhu Vee – 2013 Stage award finalist
  • Sara Pascoe – 2008 Stage award runner up

See all our Funny Women Awards finalists, runner ups and winners in our Hall of Fame.

“It’s been an incredible journey for Soho Theatre. We’re a small theatre, always managing to creatively punch above our weight and with an impact that has been felt in TV, film and commercial theatre. The fantastic array of artists that we’ve worked with, together with our presence at Edinburgh Fringe, in India and elsewhere is testament to that. But we’re no longer a small theatre. Alongside the creative powerhouse that is our Dean Street home, we’ll be presenting world class artists to even larger audiences in our new and gloriously refurbished venue in Walthamstow, East London.”

Chair of Soho Theatre, Dame Heather Rabbatts DBE

“We’re thrilled to be announcing Soho Theatre Walthamstow’s opening and first shows. Decades in the making, this iconic building with a remarkable history is reinvented as a fantastic new venue for the future, supporting culture-led growth and regeneration. None of this would be possible without the passionate grassroots campaign to save it, and the commitment of Waltham Forest Council to invest in it. We thank the very many people who have contributed to it and can’t wait to announce more and to welcome you in from May.”

Co-Executive Directors of Soho Theatre Walthamstow Mark Godfrey and Sam Hansford

Full line up and tickets are available to purchase on Soho Theatre Walthamstow website.

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Get notified when registration opens

Comedy Shorts Award Entry Requirements

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

Funny Women NextUp…Comedy Shorts Award

Are you a budding Director? Producer? Screenwriter? Are you collaborating with friends to make a funny video? Then we are looking for YOU!

If you have a short film or sketch that you think is hilarious, then enter your work for our Comedy Shorts Award to be in with a chance of winning some life-changing support and mentoring from comedy professionals.

WHAT KIND OF FILM ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

A 1- 6 minute film that can take the form of anything comical. It’s a great opportunity to show us your creative flair and have fun!

WHO CAN ENTER?

This award is open to all women filmmakers and content developers. The film must be an original narrative created, produced and devised by a woman, or women, although male cast and crew members are allowed.

ARE THERE ANY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR MY FILM?

Yes – we require all films to be 6 minutes or under, to be entirely original dialogue, to not feature brand logos and most importantly, to only use music with the written consent of the performer and/or publisher either personally or via the PRS system https://www.prsformusic.com/ .

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH MY FILM?

We will broadcast selected entries on our Funny Women YouTube channel and social media (so keep an eye out) and the top 10 finalists’ films will also hosted on a dedicated Funny Women Comedy Shorts Awards page on our website. We will also broadcast the final 3 entries as part of the grand final night.

HOW IS IT JUDGED?

Films are judged for production, concept, delivery/performance, creativity, writing and overall funniness. The top 10 films are then viewed by an independent judging panel of top television and film industry professionals who will choose one overall winner and two runners up. The final three will be invited to attend the grand final in London on the 23rd September.

WHAT CAN I WIN?

2021 Funny Women Awards Prizes

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

If you need further information please contact us here