Tuesday 29 March 2022, 12pm – 3pm
You’re invited to attend a special open house event to celebrate 50 years since the first production at the Soho Poly theatre in 1972. View an exhibition of rare production shots and photos, live performances, and more information from the Soho Poly team over drinks and cake. The Soho Poly is a true Fitzrovia hidden gem, literally tucked away in the basement of the University of Westminster. It is a beloved space undergoing a big restoration to be revived for a new generation.
The Soho Poly has a rich history in Fitzrovia. When firs opened, the Soho Poly quickly established itself as a pioneering fixture on the London ‘fringe’, helping to launch the careers of actors, writers and directors including Bob Hoskins and Caryl Churchill. Many BBC producers from the nearby Broadcasting House also commissioned works first showcased at the Soho Poly. It was the leading venue for radical ‘lunchtime theatre’ and was dedicated to widening democratic access to the arts. It also gave voice to underrepresented writers, particularly women. Abandoned in 1990, it fell into disrepair. It was rediscovered in 2012 and plans were immediately put in place to mount new pop-up performances, re-engaging students, local residents, and the wider London arts community.
