The Soho Poly has launched a new website to celebrate its rich history and offer an engaging experience for those wanting to get involved with its eclectic mix of events and opportunities.
The website is a milestone in the Riding House Street venue’s history. In the late 1960s it operated as a student arts workshop. Then, in 1972, the Polytechnic of Central London and the Soho Theatre Company founded the original Soho Poly, which went on to become a leading proponent of so-called lunchtime theatre, and was instrumental in giving a voice to female, LGBTQ+ and BAME theatre-makers including Timberlake Wertenbaker, Caryl Churchill, Simon Callow and Hanif Kureishi. In 1990, however, the theatre company moved out and the space became little more than a storeroom.
This all changed in 2012 when it was rediscovered by Dr Matthew Morrison, playwright and Head of Creative Writing at the University. Since then, Dr Morrison and Co-Artistic Director Professor Guy Osborn, Professor in the Westminster Law School, have worked tirelessly to bring the space back to life.
As part of its revival, the pair have hosted many dynamic events in the venue, including pop-up festivals, new plays, Ghost Gigs, poetry readings and exhibitions. They have also led numerous outreach activities to build new audiences and increase engagement, especially with young people and isolated older people. Alongside these events, Dr Morrison and Professor Osborn have worked to renovate the venue to create a new space whilst keeping the spirit of its past alive.
The fully restored Soho Poly opened its doors in summer 2023. The space now offers a vibrant community hub for inclusivity and wellbeing in the heart of Fitzrovia, providing community engagement and diverse programming to the University’s students and partners, as well as local schools and the wider London arts community.
About the new website Professor Osborn said: “Matt and I are delighted to see the Soho Poly website launched. Hopefully it will make it easier for people to see the exciting and eclectic programme we have and provide a smooth interface to book to come to our events.”
Jordan Scammell, Head of Development and Fundraising at the University of Westminster, added: "I'm delighted to see the Soho Poly website live! Its bold, vibrant design perfectly captures the disruptive spirit that has resonated so strongly with our funders, who continue to champion our vision. The site not only celebrates the venue's rich history but also looks confidently to the future, offering an intuitive and engaging online experience for attendees and supporters alike. A heartfelt thank you to our funders for generously supporting the web development as part of our broader renovation plans."
The Soho Poly directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Visit the Soho Poly website to find out more about upcoming events and how to support the historic theatre.
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