Seven Dials Playhouse, under investigation by the Charity Commission, has announced plans to close after concluding that it “can no longer continue operating on a viable basis”.
In September 2024, Seven Dials Playhouse completed the sale of its eponymous theatre in central London, which it had bought 30 years earlier, and said that doing so would help it to “clear substantial debt”.
The commission contacted the charity over the sale, as well as concerns around its finances and how it was being managed.
After failing to be reassured of the charity’s long-term financial viability as part of an initial compliance case, the regulator opened a full statutory inquiry in May last year.
The regulator then appointed interim managers to the charity in October, to the exclusion of its trustees.
Announcing the closure, planned for 31 March, Seven Dials Playhouse chief executive Amanda Davey said: “This is an incredibly painful moment for everyone who has cared for, worked in and built Seven Dials Playhouse.
“I am immensely proud of our staff team, who have shown extraordinary compassion, professionalism and resilience through an exceptionally difficult period.
“Seven Dials Playhouse has mattered deeply to so many creatives, independent companies and audiences, and I know this loss will be felt across our community and across the wider sector.
“While this is an immensely sad ending, I remain deeply proud of what this organisation has made possible, and honoured to have been a part of it.”
In a joint statement, the charity’s board of trustees added: “The trustees want to thank the staff, artists, supporters, partners and communities who have shaped Seven Dials Playhouse, and acknowledge the important role it has played in supporting new voices in central London.”
The charity said it would work closely with employees, artists, companies, partners and stakeholders to “ensure that the closure process is handled with care, transparency and professionalism”.
Inquiry ongoing
A Charity Commission spokesperson said: “We are aware that Seven Dials Playhouse will be closing at the end of this month and that many will be saddened by this outcome.
“As part of our ongoing statutory inquiry into the charity, we have been monitoring events closely, liaising with the interim manager appointed last October.
“Our inquiry is carefully examining the charity’s financial management and governance to understand the events and decisions that led to the charity’s serious financial challenges.
“It is important that we take our time to conduct a thorough investigation. We will publish a report once our inquiry has concluded, setting out our findings and conclusions, and making clear what regulatory action we have taken, and why.”
