2 March 2010
iya-ile (the first wife)
has been nominated for an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievment in an Affiliate Theatre. For more details, and the full list of nominations, click here.
Iya-Ile, by Oladipo Agboluaje, was produced by Soho Theatre and Tiata Fahodzi in 2009.
1 January 2010
jerry sadowitz's beginner's course in card magic
Back by popular demand, Jerry Sadowitz will be running his sold-out beginner's course in magic again this autumn. Spaces are bound to go fast so, if you missed out last time, get in quick to be sure of a place!
'One of the finest close-up magicians in the world. Although he’s hosted a couple of lectures at the International Magic shop in Clerkenwell, his forthcoming series of classes will be the first time he’s ever offered to pass on his skills to beginners.'
Time Out Click here to read the full article.
‘It’s a myth that you have to have been doing magic for years to be any good at it. If you love magic, then it’s a lifelong hobby. I do it every day and thoroughly enjoy it. It’s the greatest hobby in the world without any doubt – it doesn’t cause any harm and the worst you’re going to do is entertain somebody with it.’
Jerry Sadowitz
If you've ever harboured a secret desire to wow your friends, or perhaps know someone who wishes they could do tricks, this introductory course offers the perfect chance to spoil yourself - or would make the ultimate gift to any budding magician.
This 6 part course will take place on 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 27 May at 7pm
For further information, email amandaj@sohotheatre.com or call 020 7478 0127.
Please note, this series of classes is for beginners only, an intermediate course will follow at a later date.
3 November 2009
drom
Simon Games are on the drom. You can find out where they are now and play the game by clicking here. Or if you are out on the streets, TXT follow the drom to 60300. We'll send a map to your phone with our current location.
The Game:
The object of the game is to find us a place to stop, just for the night. The closer to Soho Theatre the better. So you send us your suggestions and we'll take the caravan there and park up. The winner will be the person who finds us the best stopping place - that's the place we are able to stay at for one night, closest to Soho Theatre.
Drom is a new game from Simon Games launching at Soho Theatre to coincide with the premiere of Shraddha. The play is a love story set against the backdrop of the eviction of a Romany Gypsy community form their site in East London to make way for the Olympics. The game highlights the fact that these communities have nowhere else to go if they want to maintain their centuries old way of life. For more information and to book tickets for Shraddha, click here.
How to Play
- Sign in or register here.
- Join the game by click on the Join button at the top right of the page.
- Select your shout channel, this is the way the game will communicate with you and you with the game. More on Shouts in the FAQs.
- Go out and find a place we can stop our caravan for the night. As close to Soho Theatre in London's West End as possible.
- Tell us where this place is by sending a shout to the game - an email, TXT or Twitter direct message. Make sure you tell us as exactly as possible where it is, a street name, postcode, OS map ref. or a lat/long. Also describe the place and why you think we should stop there. You can send pictures in, but only by email. Shout details are: email to: dromsoho@googlemail.com. Twitter: DM the game @dromsoho. SMS: reply to the texts you get sent from the game.
- We then put your suggestion on our map and plan it into our route.
- We'll keep everyone informed via shouts as we go, telling you when and where we stop. Check out the game feed on the site also for our video diary.
- Our progress can be seen on the map on this site (link at top of page) or by TXTing follow the drom to 60300
- The winner will be announced at the closing night of Shraddha, Saturday 29th November.
* For texts to 60300 your normal network charges apply.
18 September 2009
lisa goldman talks at free word festival
Soho Theatre's Artistic Director, Lisa Goldman, will be talking at the Free Word Festival on Saturday 19 September.
Lisa will be in discussion with Tiago Bartolomeu Costa, one of Portugal’s leading cultural commentators.
Tiago will kick off the debate with his ideas about theatre’s loss of relevance and how this can be regained.
This event is presented in conjunction with the British Council’s Cultural Leadership International programme and is the first of two Saturday afternoon debates on the place of theatre in society.
1 June 2009
iya-ile gets seven 4-star reviews
Iya-Ile (The First Wife) has received seven 4-star reviews during it's run so far at Soho Theatre in:
The Guardian, The Times, The Financial Times, The Sunday Times, Time Out (also Critics' Choice), WhatsOnStage and British Theatre Guide.
Tickets are selling fast, book now for your chance to see this unmissable theatrical party.
12 November 2007
verity bargate award 2007
The winner of the Verity Bargate Award 2007 is:
This Isn’t Romance by In-Sook Chappell
This Isn’t Romance was chosen from over 800 entrants in this prestigious biennial competition to find the best new play by an emerging writer. In-Sook’s prize is £5,000 and a residency at Soho Theatre.
The shortlist was considered by a judging panel comprised of former VBA winner Bonnie Greer, playwrights Bryony Lavery, Gupreet Bhatti and Philip Ridley, Noble+Silver’s Kim Noble and Stuart Silver, and Soho Theatre’s artistic director, Lisa Goldman.
“In-Sook is a thrilling discovery and I’m really looking forward to directing her play next year.”
Lisa Goldman, Artistic Director
“In-Sook's play has a brutal beauty which takes us into a hidden world. I can't think of any better definition for a prize-winning play.”
Bonnie Greer, VBA judge
For a list of runners-up, click here.
2 November 2007
joe guy: 'highlight of the year'
Roy Williams's slick, fast-paced story of identity, racial tensions and the corrupting power of celebrity receives rave reviews:
'...a new writing highlight of the year...'
**** whatsonstage.com
'Roy Williams’s new play explodes on to the stage like a firework.'
**** Metro
'Invigorating and thought-provoking.'
The Telegraph
'Femi Elufowoju, jr’s zestful, wickedly witty and beautifully acted co-production... an immensely charismatic tour de force of vulnerable swagger and sympathy-twisting tragicomedy by Abdul Salis...'
The Independent
'There’s much here that justifies Williams’s growing reputation as a terrific dramatist. He’s sharp, he’s funny, he writes cracking dialogue.'
The Times
'Femi Elufowoju, jr’s exhilarating production boasts a forceful, honest performance from Abdul Salis.'
**** Metro
'Williams’ dialogue ricochets around the stage like gunfire... energetic, exciting and entertaining.'
The Stage
'...the stunning young actor Abdul Salis in what is surely a career defining performance...'
**** whatsonstage.com
'...the whole thing is shot through with energetic urban authenticity and a lot of comic panache.'
The Telegraph
'Abdul Salis is outstanding...'
The Guardian
'Abdul Salis as Joe is excellent...'
The Stage
'...the supple humanity of the piece and its undoctrinaire flair make one grateful for the talent of Roy Williams.'
The Independent
'...a sharp confrontation with British multiculturalism that lets nobody off the hook.'
**** Metro
5 October 2007
moonwalking in chinatown
Soho Theatre's first walkabout performance was a massive success!
A thank you message from Suzanne Gorman - Director, Moonwalking in Chinatown
The project’s success has relied on the goodwill and dedication of our many volunteers, all of whom have given their time and energies for free I so I would like would like to add a special thanks to the following: everyone who told us their stories openly and to our translators who helped us hear them, to our actors who came to rehearsals so positively and performed the production in all weathers, to our assistant designers who made the design a reality and braved heights so that the magic of theatre could happen in Meard Street, to the assistant directors who trawled through the streets time and time again to ensure that the play would work like clockwork and finally to the ushers who made sure that the audience really saw the show. A great big thanks to you all from me and all at Soho Theatre!
Hear the cast and company speak about the project by clicking here, and read more about the daily perfomances with our moonblog.
What the papers said:
'An incredibly visceral experience... Young and Gorman's peephole into the community makes for fascinating viewing, guaranteeing you'll never see Chinatown in the same way again.'
**** Metro
'Touching, charming and terrific fun.'
**** The Times
'A bold departure for the previously building-based Soho Theatre and a commendable one, too.'
Evening Standard
'Suzanne Gorman directs stupendously.'
Time Out - Critics' Choice
24 September 2007
soho talks: october
Neil Boorman discusses the trials and rewards of ethical living, Mute Magazine explores the implications of a global economy structured by debt, Kerry Katona opens debate on our obsession with celebrity culture, and Zoe Margolis talks sex, blogs and feminism.
book for 3 talks, pay for 2!
2 August 2007
moonwalking in chinatown by justin young
Volunteer Actors Wanted!
We are looking for volunteers
Act alongside our professional cast for this moonlit promenade production. We are particularly looking for people to take on the following roles:
Sue
Late 40s, lived in London since she was 10 but originally
Hong Kong Chinese
Dave
Late 40s, British born Chinese
Amy
38, Malaysian Chinese
Moonface
Under 11, Amy's daughter, British born Chinese
Eddie
Late teens, British born Chinese
Winnie
Late teens, British born Chinese
Howard
Early 20s, British born Chinese
Keung
Early 20s, British born Chinese
Non speaking roles:
Mrs Tse’s mother, (a ghost), 30s, Chinese
The Mah Jong Players
Mrs Fong, Elderly, Hong Kong Chinese or Chinese
Mrs Chang, Elderly, Hong Kong Chinese or Chinese
You will need to be committed to part-time rehearsals from 15 August and the performances will be from 19–22 and 26–29 September in the evenings (and afternoon performances on Saturdays) Depending on the part that you are given you may not be required to perform in all of the shows as we will be doubling up some of the roles.
If you are interested in taking part then please contact nadine@sohotheatre.com.
________________________________________________
Volunteer Technical Crew Wanted!
Be an integral part of the production working alongside our professional as a member of the Technical Crew.
You will be part of this dynamic team responsible for ensuring that the technical side of the show runs smoothly.
Performances will be from 19–22 and 26–29 September, although you may not need to be available for all performances. You will need to be committed to some technical rehearsals. If you are interested in taking part then please contact jennifer@sohotheatre.com.
________________________________________________
Sound Designer Required!
Soho Theatre is looking for a Sound Designer to work on this promenade piece to celebrate the Chinese Autumn Moon Festival. This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in a participatory project between the theatre and the local community.
You will play an important part in creating a magical landscape that will provide the backdrop to the story. The show takes the audience through the landmarks, alleyways and hidden corners of Chinatown, portraying three generations of Chinese Londoners whose lives intersect one unforgettable night in Soho.
You will be responsible for creating a soundscape for the production, including sourcing music.
There will be a small fee, according to experience, to be negotiated.
Performance dates are 19–22 and 26–29 September.
If you would like to discuss this further please contact Suzanne Gorman at suzanne@sohotheatre.com.
25 July 2007
welcome to soho theatre's autumn season
This autumn, our provocative, magical and inspiring line-up includes premieres from some breathtakingly original writers and artists – Marisa Carnesky, Stewart Lee, Anthony Neilson, Luke Sutherland, The Trachtenburg Family, Roy Williams and many more.
Behind the scenes, our unique Writers’ Centre continues to support thousands of theatre writers including Michael Bhim, whose beautiful first play Pure Gold opens in September. We are also working with local residents to create our first walkabout performance, Moonwalking in Chinatown by Justin Young. And check out our distinctive new programme of talks and events – guests include Hari Kunzru and Kerry Katona.
Enjoy!
Lisa Goldman
Artistic Director
Ps. Book early for £10 tickets!
5 July 2007
critics rave for baghdad wedding
'The Prime Minister and his cabinet should take a brief course in political illumination. They should go to see Baghdad Wedding. Hot theatre.'
Nicholas de Jongh, Evening Standard ****
'There could hardly be a more timely play than this... Lisa Goldman directs a lucid production that finds all the play's strengths, and the leading roles are splendidly played... This is undoubtedly an important, topical play. Better yet, it is also superbly entertaining.'
Charles Spencer, The Telegraph
'A highly arresting debut… Lisa Goldman's vibrant, well-judged production feels well timed and salutary… What impresses are the play's fresh, vivid insights into the difficulties and contradictions of life during the war for Iraqis. A blackly funny and irreverent first play.'
Paul Taylor, The Independent ****
'Hassan Abdulrazzak’s Baghdad Wedding hits its mark... Lisa Goldman’s production fizzes with energy... Abdulrazzak writes sharp, witty dialogue, builds tension, holds the attention, and does much that one would expect of a seasoned dramatist... We’ve heard all about the agonies of Baghdad before... but here’s a play that will make you see and feel it afresh.'
Benedict Nightingale, The Times ****
'Adulrazzak’s text is beautifully written, highly imaginative and emotionally true - it’s a great mix of anger, humour and poetry, spiced with a fine perception of the workings of the human heart. Fluidly directed with great flair by Lisa Goldman, this production offers a satisfying mixture of laughter and horror… A thrilling experience.'
Aleks Sierz, The Stage
'In less than two hours, Abdulrazzak not only covers an enormous amount of territory, he also reminds us of the infinite human contradictions within any nation.'
Michael Billington, The Guardian
28 June 2007
soho gets social
Soho Theatre is now part of online social networks myspace and facebook, so you can meet and chat with like-minded Soho enthusiasts, keep up to date with all the latest Soho gossip, and receive exclusive offers and discounts. All you have to do is be our friend!
If you're already a myspace member, add us to your friends list at www.myspace.com/sohotheatre.
To become a facebook friend, or join our group, click here.
14 June 2007
russell brand sells out in an hour!
Russell Brand makes yet another welcome return to Soho Theatre for the fourth consecutive year.
Russell first appeared at Soho in September 2004, receiving rave reviews, and was launched as one of the best new comedians in the country.
Public previews for Russell's new show, Only Joking, playing at Soho on 19 and 20 June, sold out within an hour. Don't miss out by becoming a Soho Friend and take advantage of exclusive previews, one-off shows and other great last minute deals.
11 June 2007
the christ of coldharbour lane - 'fizzing, feisty, energetic' metro****
'Whipsmart comedy... Paulette Randall's fizzing, feisty, energetic production plays delightfully.'
The Metro****
'Hugely enjoyable satirical comedy... Jimmy Akingbola is excellent as the self-styled prophet who is certain that Brixton can be the new Jerusalem.'
The Guardian
'The multi-cultural melting pot of Brixton is evoked through cast members being master of many an accent and subtle quick change artists.'
London Theatre Guide
'...a very funny and thought-provoking piece of original theatre.'
The Stage
30 May 2007
the christ of coldharbour lane
An anarchic physical comedy from the writer of last year's sell-out The Estate.
A young man is released from prison onto the frenetic streets of a buzzing Brixton – a place high on false prophets but desperately in need of a saviour. Sure that this saviour is him, Omo sets about to dismantle 'the wilful peace', leading an uprising against passivity and faithlessness, and offering hope to those whose idea of a miracle is having their lottery numbers come up…
Oladipo Agboluaje’s The Christ of Coldharbour Lane stars Jimmy Akingbola (Holby Blue), Kay Bridgeman, Dona Croll, Nadine Marshall, Mark Monero and Javone Prince and is directed by acclaimed theatre director and TV producer Paulette Randall.
Click here to view the trailer
Book early for £10 tickets
29 May 2007
soho theatre goes international
Soho Theatre goes international this summer taking The Bee to Tokyo, Japan.
First performed at Soho Theatre in summer 2006 in collaboration with Noda Map, this years' production of The Bee is a co-production with Noda Map and Setagaya Public Theatre.
Based upon Plucking at Each Other by Yasutaka Tsutsui, The Bee is legendary Japanese director Hideki Noda's first play originated in English co-written with Colin Teevan who is well known for his innovative translations and adaptations of world classics. The collaboration captures Hideki’s mythical theatrical style, using a worldwide palette of movement, verse and humour. Working with a cast which includes the Olivier award-winning Kathryn Hunter opposite director Hideki Noda in the lead roles, the production is indicative of Soho Theatre's commitment to working internationally with reknowned artists to create exciting new work.
The Bee opens on 22 June with a Japanese translation of the play by Hideki Noda, the original English play opens on 12 July and runs until 29 July at Theatre Tram, Setagaya Public Theatre, Tokyo, Japan with performances at 4pm and 7pm.
16 May 2007
leaves of glass receives rave reviews
‘... like a shard of glass plunged straight into the heart…the cast are superb.’
The Guardian ****
‘Lucid and restrained. The writing is packed with meaning. Listen hard. Every word matters.’
The Sunday Times ****
‘Ben Whishaw gives a terrifically intense, nuanced performance as the emotionally handicapped Steven…Trystan Gravelle also impresses as Barry, conveying a strong sense of anger born of trauma.’
What’s on Stage ****
'Fluid and well acted…it’s a work of considerable intelligence, and it’s child’s-eye view of events…is hauntingly vivid.’
The Times
'A brilliantly written, imaginative and genuinely chilling account of evil in everyday life... a must-see.'
In Yer Face Theatre
With just over a week left, tickets are selling fast for Philip Ridley's Leaves of Glass. If you haven't seen it yet, book now to experience this 'taut and compelling production' What's on Stage.
23 April 2007
vacancy: marketing and development director
Soho Theatre is looking to appoint a talented Marketing and Development Director with a proven track record to lead this department and play a key role in the Senior Management team. To be responsible for delivering our ambitious fundraising and sponsorship objectives and meeting box office and audience development targets.
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000
For an informal discussion please call Mark Godfrey, Executive Director on 020 7478 0127.
Deadline for applications: 5pm Monday 14th May 2007.
Click here for more information.
18 April 2007
gala performance leaves of glass
Much requested and long awaited – Soho Theatre is delighted to be hosting a Soho Theatre Gala Performance. In celebration of Lisa Goldman’s inaugural season as artistic director, the Gala Performance will take place on Wednesday 16 May. Guests will be invited to join us for the Leaves of Glass performance that evening, which commences at 7.30pm, followed by a sumptuous Indian feast downstairs at the newly refurbished Lazeez @ Soho Theatre.
A special fundraising event, tickets are available exclusively to Soho Theatre Donors and will be priced at £70, which includes all the entertainment for the evening. We’re thrilled that Philip Ridley, Lisa Goldman and the production’s stellar cast; including Ben Whishaw, Maxine Peake, Ruth Sheen and Trystan Gravelle, will be joining us for dinner.
Contact Zoe Crick, Development Manager on dl 020 7478 0109, or email zoe@sohotheatre.com to register your interest or make a booking.
16 April 2007
leaves of glass by philip ridley
Soho Theatre presents the World premiere of Leaves of Glass, an exciting collaboration between the influential and maverick writer Philip Ridley (Mercury Fur, The Pitchfork Disney, The Krays) and Soho’s new ground breaking artistic director, Lisa Goldman (Hoxton Stories, The Bogus Woman) starring Ben Whishaw (Perfume, Mercury Fur) and Maxine Peake (Shameless).
2 April 2007
spring-summer season launch
We’re thrilled to invite you to experience a theatre of innovation, exhilaration and dissent.
Three distinctive and provocative new Soho Theatre plays kick off an imaginative and entertaining season. Enter the beautiful and devastating world of Leaves of Glass by Philip Ridley; anarchic comedy The Christ of Coldharbour Lane by Oladipo Agboluaje and Baghdad Wedding, the first play by Iraqi writer Hassan Abdulrazzak.
Celebrate radical performance and comic brilliance including Japanese punk duo Gamarjobat, performance artists Noble and Silver and wayward genius Simon Munnery.
Check out our inspiring new programme of talks and events. Highlights include Iain Sinclair head to head with Stewart Home and Pink Iraq, a talk chaired by Peter Tatchell.
Continue the debate downstairs in the new and cheaper Soho Theatre bar.
Enjoy!
Lisa Goldman
Artistic Director
22 March 2007
switch on to the blue zone
SPILL Festival, in collaboration with Soho Theatre, will bring you free downloadable goodies direct to your mobile. These bluecasts are available throughout Soho Theatre simply by setting your handset to receive information via bluetooth.
Not only are these downloads free of charge but they’re also quick to arrive on your mobile.
So all you need do in order to take home your very own piece of contemporary performance, and to take advantage of special offers between 26 March and 22 April, is turn up, tune in, and download.
The only good reason to be blue this SPILL!
16 March 2007
new soho theatre bar
Our bar and basement restaurant are under new management.
Due for a full relaunch in June, the ground floor bar is now Soho Theatre Bar, open from 11am until late, serving some of the most affordable drinks on Dean Street - with house wine*, bottled beer*, house spirits and a daily house cocktail all at £3.
In the basement, Lazeez remains one of the classiest Indian restaurants in town, serving famously good food in a serene environment. Theatre ticket holders click here for a 25% discount.
We hope to see you soon!
*San Miguel beer, 175ml house red and white wine, single measure house spirit and mixer
11 January 2007
kate dickie named as britain's most up and coming actor in today's guardian
Kate Dickie was yesterday named as Britain's most up and coming actor among 25 chosen across Europe for the annual Shooting Stars event at the Berlin film festival. For the last 10 years the umbrella group European Film Promotion has chosen the actors it regards as having the brightest futures. Previous choices include Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz and Daniel Bruhl. Dickie's powerful and raw performance as a CCTV operator in Andrea Arnold's Red Road won her a best actress award at the British Independent Film Awards and she is due to join the 24 others in Berlin on February 10.
The Guardian (11 January 2007)
See her at Soho in Aalst from 17-28 April, click here for more information.
