Theatre

The Cock Falls, May It Rise Again

Alan Hindle | Monday 11 April, 2011 11:25

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The Cock Tavern Theatre has closed following Brent council declaring that the stairs leading up to the theatre space fail to meet fire regulation standards. Also, the seats make your bum numb, but that was probably a distant second in the council’s mind. The stairs were too short and deep for safe use and the Cock would have had to completely rebuild them. Even for a funded theatre company this would have been a blow, but for an unfunded one like the Cock, it just isn’t worth it. They have therefore abandoned the venue and are looking for another.

The Cock’s press officer, Nathan Godkin, has told Snipe that much of the season’s programme has already been relocated. A Butcher of Distinction by Rob Hayes, nominated for three Offie awards (Best New Play, Best New Playwright and Best Actor for Sam Swann) will now be at The Kings Head Theatre. Tennessee William’s semi-lost play A Cavalier for Milady will move to the Jermyn Street Theatre.

This is turning into a mini-epidemic, with Above The Stag Theatre also looking for a new home. Maybe the Stag and the Cock can get something going together. Hopefully they will both find new homes soon, as even somewhere as culturally rich as London needs every creative venue it can get.

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