Sadiq Khan opens new Tara Theatre in South London

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan was on hand today to open the new Tara Theatre.

The theatre is the new home to Tara Arts, the UK's oldest multicultural theatre company which put on its first professional show in 1983.

Located in Earlsfield, South London, Tara Theatre is just round the corner from where Khan was born, on Henry Prince Estate. Khan said the theatre "always held a special place" in his heart.

"I have enjoyed many hours at the theatre and I’m delighted that the building has been given this new lease of life.

"This new space embodies all that is great about London, with diversity and creativity built into the very fabric of the building. It proves that London is open to all and that the capital’s cultural gems are not confined to zone one."

Tara Theatre was designed by Julian Middleton of AEDAS Arts Team and has a 100-seat auditorium, fully sound-proofed rehearsal studio, rooftop offices, bar and patio garden.

Artistic director, Jatinder Verma, said it was the "realisation of a life-long dream".

"We are passionate to continue and expand our work, now with the benefit of such a wonderful building. We are thankful to all our supporters and funders for making this dream a reality."

The first production at the new theatre will be the first stage adaptation of Abdul Halim Sharar’s Urdu novel Paradise of the Assassins, which was written in 1899. It is written and directed by Anthony Clark who directed the company's first professional production in the '80s.