Bringing the ‘lunchtime theatre’ slot back to life

It is another significant slice of West End theatre history – a place which helped launch the careers of Hanif Kureishi, Simon Callow, Bob Hoskins and Caryl Churchill, among many others.

It is also one of the last surviving fringe theatres among all the mainstream playhouses which dominate the capital’s most famous entertainment district.

The good news is that the colourful past which illuminated The Soho Poly is not about to be lost – despite a projected bill of £400,000 to restore it – and that it is poised to return to something of its former glory.

Westminster City council is awarding a £50,000 grant from money raised through its Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) – a charge applied to developers to help fund local infrastructure.

And that cash is enough to ensure the project can now go ahead.

The Soho Poly opened in 1972 in the basement of the University of Westminster’s campus in Riding House Street, in the West End.

Soho Poly morphed into the Soho Theatre in 1992, but subsequently closed after falling into disrepair.

In March, a series of small events were run to mark its 50th year anniversary.

Since then, plans have started to be put in place to restore the venue and reopen it as a centre for radical and diverse productions.

Councillor Geoff Barraclough, cabinet member for planning and economic development, who approved the grant, said: “At a time when we are losing small theatres, this will be a welcome return.

“Theatres are an important part of any community, and this project helps the growth of the local arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors.

“But there’s a historical element to this too. This was a ground-breaking and experimental theatre that helped discover new talent and give underrepresented groups a voice.

“The Soho Poly was a small but revolutionary space and it had a far greater impact on the arts than its size would suggest. It’s good to hear that when the work is complete, the revamped theatre plans to follow in that tradition.”

Founded by Verity Bargate and Frederick Proud, the 60-seat theatre got off to a shaky start, when reviewers appeared as interested in the availability of pre-show quiche as the plays.

But it quickly established itself as a leading fringe venue attracting some of Britain’s most talented actors, writers and directors, including Barrie Keefe, who penned the British gangster classic The Long Good Friday.

The Soho Poly became a leader in radical ‘lunchtime theatre’.

Jordan Scammell, head of development and fundraising at the University of Westminster, said: “We are delighted to have been granted funding Recognised for being a leader for radical ‘lunchtime theatre’ throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the theatre was dedicated to widening democratic access to the arts and gave voice to underrepresented talent.

“With the funding we’ve received, we are now in the position to restore the space and install disabled access, ensuring a vibrant, inclusive and accessible performance venue that will once again provide under-represented groups the opportunity to visit, and indeed performing.

“The original model of lunchtime theatre will also be extended across the day under the ethos ‘disrupt your everyday’ to ensure the arts remain accessible to all, regardless of when people work.

“We are incredibly grateful and look forward to working with the council further once the project opens in Spring 2023.”

 

Pictured top: Bob Hoskins in The Bystander at the Soho Poly Theatre in April 1977 Picture: Nobby Clark /ArenaPAL