SOHOPLAY: Innovative Plays at Soho Playhouse and Soho Theatre

Both the Soho Playhouse in New York City and the Soho Theatre in London are renowned for championing innovative and cutting-edge theatrical productions. They serve as a crucial launching pad for new and diverse artists, often featuring work that is experimental, thought-provoking, and genre-defying.

Here are examples of innovative plays and productions from each venue:

Soho Playhouse (New York City, USA)

The Soho Playhouse is known for its Lighthouse Series, a competition that showcases new plays and helps emerging artists secure an Off-Broadway run. Innovative works often come from this series.

  • (un)conditional: A new play by Ali Keller that explores the complexities of sexual fantasies and boundaries within marriage. It delves into sensitive themes with a mix of humor and respect, demonstrating a modern approach to intimate relationships on stage.

  • Ohio Play: Written by Dylan Sherman, this play is set in a post-Roe world and follows a teenager's journey to get a backdoor abortion. The production tackles a highly relevant and controversial topic with a focus on character and contemporary social commentary.

  • Hot Pussy Time Machine: This boldly titled play explores the idea that women's pleasure can alter time and space. The production is a unique example of genre-blending and uses its provocative premise to make a humorous and insightful statement on gender and history.

Soho Theatre (London, UK)

The Soho Theatre is a hub for new writing, comedy, and cabaret. It is famous for giving early career opportunities to artists who go on to achieve mainstream success.

  • Fleabag: Originally a one-woman show by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, this play was first performed at Soho Theatre. Its innovative and irreverent style, which broke the fourth wall and dealt with complex themes of grief, love, and sexuality, made it a sensation and led to its adaptation into a multi-award-winning TV series.

  • Baby Reindeer: Written and performed by Richard Gadd, this dark and autobiographical one-man show explores themes of stalking and mental health. Its unflinching honesty, raw emotional content, and innovative blending of comedy and drama defined a new style of personal storytelling.

  • Club Life: This immersive theatrical experience, created by Fred Deakin, blurs the line between a play and a club night. The show, which won a Fringe First award for innovation, invites the audience to become part of a journey through 80s and 90s club culture, with dancing and audience participation highly encouraged.

Soho Playhouse

Experience innovative off-Broadway productions at Soho Playhouse in NYC. This historic venue showcases new plays from diverse artists and features the intimate Huron Club for cabaret performances. Join us for a night of creativity and talent.

30$
A bustling urban scene at night with a brightly lit theater marquee displaying the word 'CHICAGO' in large letters. The theater is situated among tall buildings in a city environment, with cars and pedestrians visible on the street. The marquee lists upcoming performances by various artists.
A bustling urban scene at night with a brightly lit theater marquee displaying the word 'CHICAGO' in large letters. The theater is situated among tall buildings in a city environment, with cars and pedestrians visible on the street. The marquee lists upcoming performances by various artists.
An empty theater with rows of light-colored wooden seats facing a dimly lit stage. The stage features several illuminated rectangular frames on the back wall, creating a modern and artistic backdrop. A bed with a blanket sprawled on it and a small table with various objects are also visible on the stage. The predominant lighting is blue, giving the scene a dramatic atmosphere.
An empty theater with rows of light-colored wooden seats facing a dimly lit stage. The stage features several illuminated rectangular frames on the back wall, creating a modern and artistic backdrop. A bed with a blanket sprawled on it and a small table with various objects are also visible on the stage. The predominant lighting is blue, giving the scene a dramatic atmosphere.

Soho Theatre

Discover new writing and comedy at Soho Theatre in London's vibrant Soho district. As a charity and social enterprise, it supports emerging artists and offers a platform for innovative performances. Be part of the creative scene!

25$

Theater Productions

Showcasing innovative plays and emerging artists.

An illuminated theater facade showcasing a marquee sign advertising 'The Book of Mormon' musical. The architecture features art deco elements with intricate designs and ornamentation. The atmosphere is accentuated by dramatic lighting against a cloudy, starry night sky. Christmas trees with lights flank the entrance, adding a festive touch.
An illuminated theater facade showcasing a marquee sign advertising 'The Book of Mormon' musical. The architecture features art deco elements with intricate designs and ornamentation. The atmosphere is accentuated by dramatic lighting against a cloudy, starry night sky. Christmas trees with lights flank the entrance, adding a festive touch.
Soho Playhouse

Historic off-Broadway theater in NYC.

A brightly lit theater marquee in an urban setting displays event information. The marquee features classic vintage signage adorned with lights, set against the backdrop of tall city buildings. The street is dimly lit, suggesting evening or nighttime, and a few people are visible walking nearby.
A brightly lit theater marquee in an urban setting displays event information. The marquee features classic vintage signage adorned with lights, set against the backdrop of tall city buildings. The street is dimly lit, suggesting evening or nighttime, and a few people are visible walking nearby.
Soho Theatre

Prominent venue for new writing and comedy.

A nighttime urban street scene with illuminated theater signs and marquees. A blur of a passing bus is visible on the right, suggesting motion. The prominent theater signs include names like Lyric and Apollo, and there are posters advertising musicals. The buildings are adorned with various lights, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere.
A nighttime urban street scene with illuminated theater signs and marquees. A blur of a passing bus is visible on the right, suggesting motion. The prominent theater signs include names like Lyric and Apollo, and there are posters advertising musicals. The buildings are adorned with various lights, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere.
An ornate and expansive theater interior with luxurious red seats and balconies, highlighted by an elaborate ceiling design featuring a grand chandelier. The stage is set with a backdrop resembling a crumbling building facade.
An ornate and expansive theater interior with luxurious red seats and balconies, highlighted by an elaborate ceiling design featuring a grand chandelier. The stage is set with a backdrop resembling a crumbling building facade.
Huron Club

Intimate cabaret space for diverse performances.

Emerging Artists

Launching careers in theater and cabaret.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Soho Playhouse?

Soho Playhouse is a historic off-Broadway theater in Manhattan's Soho, showcasing innovative plays by diverse artists.

What is Soho Theatre?

Soho Theatre is a charity venue in London's Soho, focusing on new writing, comedy, and cabaret performances.

What types of shows are featured?

Both theaters feature new plays, innovative performances, and cabaret shows, often highlighting emerging and diverse talent.

How can I support these theaters?

Consider donating or attending shows.
Are there any age restrictions?

Age restrictions vary by show; please check individual performance details for specific guidelines.