Newly restored Boulevard Theatre to reopen in London’s Soho this autumn

The Boulevard Theatre in Soho is set to be refurbished and reopened the autumn, it has been announced.

The space was originally a nightclub upstairs at Paul Raymond's venue Raymond Revuebar, known as 'Britain's first stripclub', and later became the Boulevard Theatre where alternative comedy acts such as Eddie Izzard, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders and Rik Mayall often performed. Raymond Revuebar closed in 2004.

Raymond's granddaughter Fawn James is set to reopen the venue, which is located within Walker's Court, this October. The space will include 'Europe's most advanced revolving theatre', which has independently revolving balcony and stalls allowing for several configurations, and a two-storey glass bridge which leads to a restaurant and bar area.

Rachel Edwards will be the new theatre's first artistic director. Edwards founded Tooting Arts Club in 2011, and her award-winning site-specific production of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd opened at a recreated pie and mash shop on Shaftesbury Avenue in 2015.

While programming is yet to be announced, James has previously said she envisages the space as an "off-Broadway-style fringe theatre", with a focus on emerging writers and directors. There be a programme of late-night entertainment alongside the theatre's own productions. 

Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz