[ad_1]
\n<\/p>\n
Above The Stag, a LGBTQ+ theatre and bar in Vauxhall, has closed following a financially \u201cchallenging\u201d couple of years.<\/p>\n
The venue closed its doors for the last time on Saturday, after management was unable to \u201ccome up with a feasible business plan for the next five years in our existing venue\u201d.<\/p>\n
Management said that another contributing factor in the decision to close was the impact of a Network Rail inspection of the arches where the venue is based, meaning the location has to be closed, emptied and stripped back, and rearranged once the repairs are finished.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Andy Hill, operations director and producer, said: \u201cThe past five years, in our beautiful Vauxhall home, have been extremely happy and successful but financially very challenging.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a Charity and the UK\u2019s only exclusively LGBT+ Theatre, we are delighted to have staged award winning productions, sponsored new talent of every kind, provided a rare cross-generational queer space for our LGBT+ community and given you all great nights out.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has certainly been a privilege for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
The statement added that while it would be unable to continue at its existing venue, the show was \u201cnot over yet\u201d and Above The Stag was \u201cvery much alive and kicking\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll furniture, fixtures, fittings and equipment are being transferred into storage in readiness for a reopening elsewhere at a later date,\u201d said Hill.<\/p>\n
The theatre\u2019s benefactors have committed to donating \u00a32m ($2.4m\/\u20ac2.4m) over the next five years, subject to finding a new venue that was fit for purpose, and producing a feasible five-year business plan.<\/p>\n