It's been two years since the council acquired the former Granada/EMD in February 2019.
Over the past two years, the venue has been undergoing extensive restoration work to see it return as a modern, sustainable, and exciting entertainment venue that honours its heritage.
The building has been recognised in this year's Theatres Trust Theatres At Risk register. When the council acquired it in 2019, it was in a derelict and decaying state and on Historic England’s register of ‘Buildings at Risk in London’. We're delighted that we're now able to transform the space in partnership with Soho Theatre to ensure it remains a creative and cultural space in the heart of our community.
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The re-opening of the former Granada/EMD has taken a big step forward with the appointment of three key posts for Soho Theatre: Jessica Draper is Soho Theatre's new Head of Creative Engagement, and Olivier Award-winning performer and Waltham Forest resident Alessandro Babalola and the Royal Court’s Executive Director Lucy Davies have been appointed co-chairs of the board for the revitalised venue.
The new venue will be a ‘local theatre with a national profile’ and the new appointments combine the local knowledge of actor, writer and long-time Waltham Forest resident Alessandro, the wide experience and cultural leadership that Lucy has, and Jess' creative and participation expertise.
Current rules around social distancing may have put temporary brakes on watching live entertainment in person, but Soho Theatre have been working hard on Soho Theatre On Demand, where you can experience the very best shows from the comfort of your own home, filmed live from Soho Theatre's Dean Street location.
To celebrate the recent release of Typical, a highly-acclaimed co-production from Soho Theatre and Nouveau Riche starring Richard Blackwood, Soho Theatre are offering anyone who lives or works in Waltham Forest 40% off a specially filmed performance of this haunting and memorable play.
The offer is available until 31 March 2021. To take advantage, go to Soho Theatre On Demand and enter the code GRANADA22! at check out. As well as the play itself, you can enjoy a host of other post-show content, exclusively available on Soho Theatre On Demand.
In December 2020, the two original consoles which are part of the former Granada/EMD's Christie organ were safely removed and put into storage. The council had help from organ builders and restorers Goetze and Gwynn Ltd and John Leeming from the Cinema Organ Society. Moving the organ brought back fond memories for John, who restored it in 1975 and his initials are still visible on the internal face of the instrument.
 When the then EMD Cinema closed its doors to the public in December 2003, it was the only cinema to have an original, working Christie organ still in place where it was originally installed.
 A close up of the original 1930s Christie organ which was in a derelict state at the foot of the stage.
The council has been awarded a significant grant from Historic England to support the restoration work the former Granada/EMD is undergoing.
The grant of £230,000 will go towards restoring the front façade, which will have a significant impact on the look and feel of the Hoe Street landscape.
Plans for the façade include rebuilding the curved gable above the entrance, which was taken down in the 1950s, and works to the metal windows that will be repaired or replaced if they cannot be saved.
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Waltham Forest resident Kye Mitchell has been recognised by our Granada/EMD development partner Willmott Dixon as a Covid Champion for the work he is doing to keep the site Covid-safe while it undergoes restoration work.
Kye has been responsible for taking temperature checks at the entrance of the site and making sure visitors and contractors stay Covid safe to minimise any risk to themselves and others.
Kye's role is part of Willmott Dixon’s social value programme, which benefits local residents and communities by offering work and training opportunities for Waltham Forest residents before the venue opens. Other ways Willmott Dixon aims to help the community include using smaller local businesses where possible and diverting 95% of waste away from landfill.
Thanks for your hard work, Kye!
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