Stephen Fry to meet with Westminster Council to Save Soho
Actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry is to meet with an organisation which aims to keep London’s Soho balanced and affordable, following a number of closures.
‘Save Soho’, aims to work with landlords and developers in order to be included with planning performing arts and entertainment venues in the Soho area.
Speaking on Soho Radio, Mr Fry said: “Save Soho is not about shaming landowners, it is hoping to work with them and be given a small consultation role in their plans.”
The group will meet this evening from 6.30-8pm on Shaftesbury Plc, 22 Ganton Street, London, and Mr Fry, Tim Arnold and Guy Hamilton of Save Soho will meet with landlords and council at the Westminster Council Steering Group.
This is a first for local redevelopment plans in Soho. Never before have the performing arts community been asked to voice their concerns in an official capacity. The group thanked councillor Glenys Roberts of Westminster Council who made the invitation to Save Soho to join the group.
Landlords, developers, local politicians, the metropolitan police, The Soho Society and Save Soho will all be in attendance at the meeting.
Save Soho is currently focusing on the regeneration of The Boulevard Theatre and the reincarnation of Madame Jojo’s as both proposed by Soho Estates. The priority is that there should be a healthy balance between affordable venues and high end venues.
In addition to this, the group hopes to be able to offer our input creatively so that these venues support the needs of both young emerging talent as well as established performers.
Save Soho boasts committee members such as Benedict Cumberbatch and a long list of supporters including Pete Townshend, Paul O’Grady, Eddie Izzard, and Andy Serkis, all with the backing of London mayor Boris Johnson.
Save Soho will be available at 8pm this evening after the meeting.
