Exeter's Bike Shed Theatre Set To Close

Exeter's Bike Shed Theatre has announced that it will close in 2018, as the bar that supports the venue no longer has the funds to continue doing so.

In a statement on the theatre's website, director David Lockwood explained: "Some of you will know the unusual structure of our organisation. It's actually two businesses, one supporting the other. Our bar - owned by me and Fin - has given its profit to the theatre, which is a charity. So every time you've bought a pint in our bar, you've been directly supporting culture in Exeter. Thank you.

"But for many reasons, largely the fantastic range of drinking establishments in the city, our bar is not turning over the vast profits it needs to keep the theatre at a high standard. We don't want to go backwards. Moreover, we don't want to sell out our bar to a national chain. And so, with a very heavy heart and after a lot of attempts to find a way to keep on going, we've decided to close up.

"On March 31st, the curtain will fall for a final time, the last orders bell will fall silent and we'll be left with memories."

Lockwood mentioned some "exciting ideas" they would like to pursue outside the building, including the Arts Council and Exeter City Council-supported Boat Shed.