Surprise Closure Leads To Uncertainty for Tabard Theatre


Greene King seeking new tenant for the venue

The signage for the Chiswick Playhouse has been removed
The signage for the Chiswick Playhouse has been removed

Shows at the theatre above the Tabard pub have been cancelled at short notice leading to concern for the future of the venue.

Shows had been cancelled from Sunday 6 March with people turning up given no explanation.

Since the weekend the Chiswick Playhouse sign has been removed from the entrance to the theatre.

Having been taken over by a new company in 2017, the theatre was rebranded the Chiswick Playhouse in 2019. ‘More professional’ management of the theatre was promised when it was relaunched and the venue continued to operate when allowed during the pandemic often with reduced capacity.

There has been no statement from Sightline Management, the company which has been operating the theatre, but customers with tickets booked for future shows are being promised refunds. There is no answer from the theatre’s phone and those seeking refunds are advised to email info@chiswickplayhouse.co.uk.

The sole director of the company is Chiswick resident Mark Perry.

The Impromptu Shakespeare Company which was due to be performing at the theatre this Monday and later in the month said that it will no longer be putting on any shows in Chiswick but there will be an opportunity to see them at the New Wimbledon Theatre in June, and Greenwich Theatre in April and July with performance dates in west London possible in the Autumn.

The landlord Greene King is now advertising the space through a letting agent. The advertisement states, Established in 1985 and has seating for circa for 90 customers. Main theatre, front of house area, dressing room and ancillary areas. Opportunity for a theatre operator to work alongside the public house. To be offered with vacant possession.

‘The property benefits from its own dedicated access via a staircase from the pub’s trade garden. Internally, the property is of a good standard throughout and comprises of a front of house area to the front of the property, dressing room and a theatre with a stage which can seat around 90 customers.

‘The theatre offers an excellent opportunity for an established theatre/cinema operator to develop the business and work alongside The Tabard Public House.’

A spokesperson for the Tabard said, “We recognise the theatre is a much-loved asset within the community. We’ve chosen to re-let the Chiswick Playhouse and are actively recruiting for a new tenant to preserve the longevity of the theatre.”

The Chiswick Playhouse has been asked for comment.

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March 16, 2022