LCC x MST: How Soho Rising is fostering new talent | My Soho Times

This issue of My Soho Times magazine is presented by MA Journalism students from London College of Communication (LCC) who have assumed responsibility of producing content as part of their collaborative unit. This special edition is a reflection of their ideas and creativity, featuring their chosen articles, images and social media content (keep an eye out on our TikTok for more!), all centred around the vibrant central London area loved by visitors and locals alike… Experience the world of Soho through their distinctive perspectives.

“I cut my theatre teeth at Soho Theatre”: How the Soho Rising festival is fostering new generations of talent

Written by Erin Mussett | Photos by MJ Viado / courtesy of Soho Theatre

On the cusp of debuting in Soho Rising 2024, I spoke to some of Soho’s upcoming theatre stars to hear what they had to say about their experiences working with one of London’s most iconic venues, Soho Theatre.

“For me, Soho has always been a place of excitement and experimentation, with all the weird and wonderful crevices in between,” explains Drag King Brent Would. “Balenciaga’s and Pedi-cabs, it’s a land of contradictions.” 

These exciting contradictions are clear on the streets of Soho. From its quaint cafes to its buzzing clubs, Soho has long been recognised as London’s epicentre of creativity. Home to fashion icons like Soho George and remembered as the stomping grounds of industry juggernauts such as Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Amy Winehouse, for many emerging creatives, Soho has become synonymous with opportunity. 

“Soho is where my writing career began,” says actress, writer, and performer Kit Sinclair. “I learned to cut my teeth at Soho Theatre’s Writing Labs.” Kit joins Brent Would as two of 26 artists involved in this year’s Soho Rising festival, Soho Theatre’s emerging talent initiative. The annual two-week programme is a celebration of new work created by comedians, writers, and performers, showcasing everything from stand-up to cabaret and drag. 

Origins

After having its first run in 2016, the Soho Rising festival continues Soho Theatre’s long tradition of supporting new theatre talent. Established in 2000, the theatre’s current location on Dean Street follows in the footsteps of Soho Theatre’s original home, the iconic Soho Poly, which served as London’s leading fringe theatre from 1972 to 1990. 

The original Soho Poly is now located in the basement of the University of Westminster and is remembered by the university as a “leading venue for radical ‘lunchtime’ theatre that was dedicated to widening democratic access to the arts”.

The Soho Poly regularly gave voice to theatres underrepresented players, particularly women and the queer community.

Representation

This legacy of representation continues today. For Brent Would, Soho Theatre has become an extension of the excitement and experimentation that is borne out of Soho’s incredible queer heritage and has become invaluable in offering an ‘in’ to “performers who come from backgrounds that differ to those who are traditionally programmed in mainstream spaces.” He emphasises the importance of Soho Theatre’s commitment to platforming underrepresented voices, saying that “being given the chance to be seen and then considered for larger bodies of work in the future is invaluable”.

This representation extends across nationalities too. While some of the participants in this year’s Soho Rising festival do hail from Soho or further across London, the initiative has created a home for participants from across the world.

Comedian Henry Moss, originally from Australia but now living in East London, commends Soho Theatre for showcasing imaginative shows and considers Soho Rising’s support of emerging talent as imperative. “It feels like being a member of the exclusive Mickey Mouse Club with Britney and Justin – but without the pushy stage mums.” 

However, Soho Theatre’s outreach goes beyond Soho, and even London. The progression of new artists onto bigger, global platforms is central to Soho Theatre’s work. With close links to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Soho Theatre is also the UK’s leading presenter of Indian comedians through Soho Theatre India, the possibilities are seemingly endless. 

The Soho Theatre Legacy

Soho Theatre has been fundamental in kick-starting the careers of now household names, such as writer and star of Fleabag Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and actor slash playwright Toby Whithouse, who’s award winning Jump Mr. Malinoff Jump was performed as the opening production at Dean Street in 2000, who has since gone on to star in films like Bridget Jones’ Diary and write on Doctor Who. 

According to Head of Comedy Steve Lock, this level of progression for their artists is essential. “You can start off in Soho Upstairs, then progress to Soho Downstairs, and then the main house. We can tour you; we can film you. We can go on a real journey with an artist.”

This incredible outreach and success are evident of the crucial role that theatres like Soho Theatre play in the fostering of new generations of creative talent. When asked for their final thoughts on their experience as Soho Rising participants, the importance of Soho Theatre became apparent.

“Soho Theatre is the backbone of new talent. They play an integral part in the development, honing and platforming of artists that might otherwise go under the radar,” said playwright Maygan Forbes. Kit Sinclair spoke similarly, explaining that “working here constantly reminds you that you’re in the heart of London and its creative scene. It’s a wonderful, buzzy space to be in.”

To sum up his experience, Henry Moss spoke quite plainly; “Soho Theatre is an institution. I’m ecstatic to be playing here.”

Going forward, one can only hope that Soho Theatre will continue to nourish Soho’s hotbed of emerging talent for generations to come.

Soho Rising runs for two weeks every February at Soho Theatre on Dean Street, Soho. For details and more on their rising talent initiatives, visit sohorising.com or find them on Instagram and @sohotheatre.

Written by Erin Mussett | Photos by MJ Viado / courtesy of Soho Theatre