The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has opened a new theatre in Earlsfield. 
 
The former Member of Parliament for Tooting opened the 100 seater Tara Theatre in Garratt Lane, on Thursday, September 1, writes Monica Charsley.

Mr Khan who was brought up just around the corner from the theatre on Henry Prince Estate, has been a longstanding volunteer and supporter of Tara Arts.

He said:“Tara Theatre has always held a special place in my 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 1.”
 
The development of the new Tara Theatre was made possible by support from Arts Council England, with additional funding from many Trusts and Foundations and over 1,400 individuals.
 
The new theatre, designed by Julian Middleton of AEDAS Arts Team, consists of a 100-seat auditorium, a fully sound-proofed rehearsal studio and workshop space, rooftop offices, bar and an outdoor patio garden. 
 
Jatinder Verma, Tara’s Artistic Director said: “This is the realisation of a life-long dream to create a world-class building right in the heart of the community we serve.”

Tara has a long history of championing Asian theatre since the company's formation in 1977.

Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Council said:“For decades Tara has been a positive voice for the Asian community and a powerful outlet for their creative talents. 

"Their imaginative, challenging programmes explore different cultures and beliefs and have done a great deal to strengthen and celebrate the common threads which connect us. 

"The new-look building is fantastic and will be a valuable new creative hub for Wandsworth and south London.”

The first production at the new theatre will be a stage adaptation of Abdul Halim Sharar's 1899 novel, Paradise of the Assassins.

The adaptation is written and directed by Anthony Clark who directed the company's first professional production in the '80s.