Community laments 'terribly sad' theatre closure

Performers and show goers across Cornwall have said they were "devastated" to learn about the closure of a community theatre.

On Wednesday, Sterts Theatre CIC said it would be placed into creditors' voluntary liquidation amid an "exceptionally challenging time for cultural and arts organisations".

Nicky Brice, former ballet teacher at the theatre at Upton Cross on the edge of Bodmin Moor, said it was a "huge loss" for the area.

Former trustee, Ali Fenn, said she was "very saddened" by the closure, adding it had been a "fantastic asset in south east Cornwall" for young people.

"I hope, my heart seriously hopes and I'm sure everyone would say the same, we really, really hope that there is some future for the theatre, for the site, for Sterts," she said.

Brice, who taught at the theatre for 25 years, said its closure was "heart-breaking".

"It's an iconic theatre that showcased the best of local Cornish talent," she said.

Rebecca Mordan from Scary Little Girls theatre company has performed on its stage previously and said it was an "amazing venue".

"I'm just devastated and I think it's terribly sad," she said.

The theatre was founded in 1986, and had been significantly renovated in recent years after major damage from storms and hot weather.

Playwright Laura Horton, who has had shows including Cinderella played at the theatre, said she was "really shocked" by the closure.

"You just felt the love for the sector there," she said.

"It's just really scary to think that something that brings so much joy to people's lives is being eroded."

Brice said the "sadness" in these situations was that people do not hear about these organisations "being in trouble until they're closing".

"I think it's maybe about finding ways to communicate how bad it is," she said.

"Because people will often come forward and say 'I would have gone to that venue a bit more'."

Paula Every, who was previously involved with the theatre in Upton Cross, said: "It's a lovely theatre now and it would be really sad if it wasn't used by the community which is who it should be being used by."

The BBC has contacted Sterts for further comment.

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