A performing arts venue in central London which has hosted stars such as Michael McIntyre and Phoebe Waller-Bridge is to close due to costs and “wider economic challenges”.
Entertainment company Underbelly has revealed it will shut its Boulevard Soho site in January, saying the financial pressure is “a challenge we can’t quite surmount”.
The popular venue has hosted a roster of high-profile names since it opened in 2023, such as British comedians John Bishop and James Acaster, US television presenter David Letterman and musician Self Esteem.
It has also seen more than 1,700 performances over the past three years – alongside a variety of events including cabaret, comedy, circus, music and theatre.
Ed Bartlam and Charlie Wood, the directors of Underbelly, said: “It goes without saying that we’re incredibly sad at having to make this difficult decision, but we’re also immensely proud of everything that our amazing Underbelly team have achieved and built together.
“We gave it our best shot, with a wonderful and varied programme, two delicious and collaborative restaurant operators in Kitty Fisher’s and Artusi, and of course a stunning and intimate venue in the heart of Soho.
“But ultimately, the costs associated with the venue versus its size, and the wider economic challenges facing the sector, have proved a challenge we can’t quite surmount.”
The hospitality sector is facing continued financial pressure, with businesses affected by high operating costs, business rates and employment tax increases – with many industry leaders calling for the reduction of VAT.
“That said, this decision will allow us to focus on a number of other exciting, Underbelly imbued, theatrical and venue projects in development alongside our existing range of productions, festivals and events,” the directors said.
Mr Bartlam and Mr Wood went on to thank the team, collaborators, partners and the audience who helped to run the site – which was the first permanent Underbelly venue.
They added: “We are very grateful to Soho Estates for the opportunity to be given the keys to such a wonderful venue and we wish them the very best in finding a new custodian for such an amazing theatre.”
Underbelly Boulevard Soho will close following its last performance on January 10.
In the six months ahead of its closure, it will host a range of performances such as an off-Broadway musical parody of hockey romance series Heated Rivalry.
Founded in 2000, Underbelly is a UK-based live entertainment company which produces and programmes theatre productions, live events, festivals and cultural experiences across the country and internationally.
Other Underbelly sites include its Underbelly Festival pop-up in Cavendish Square, London, as well as its venues at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
