Underbelly has confirmed it will close its Soho venue, Underbelly Boulevard Soho, in January 2027 after less than four years of operation. The closure marks the end of a short but eventful tenure in the heart of London’s theatre scene.

Underbelly Tower announced it will end its lease on the Underbelly Boulevard Soho venue, formerly the Boulevard Theatre, with the final performance scheduled for 10 January 2027. The venue opened under Underbelly’s management in October 2023 after being handed the lease by owner Soho Estates.

Before closing, the venue will host a series of events including an Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfer season in September, the London premiere of the Off-Broadway musical parody Heated Rivalry in October, and the circus show Sophie’s Surprise Christmas Party to close out its run.

During its time in Soho, Underbelly Boulevard Soho staged over 1,700 performances featuring a diverse range of artists such as Steven Frayne (Dynamo), Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Michael McIntyre, Self Esteem, David Letterman, John Bishop, John Cleese, James Acaster, National Youth Theatre, Flo and Joan, Kiefer Sutherland, and Phil Wang.

Underbelly directors Ed Bartlam and Charlie Wood expressed sadness about the decision, attributing it largely to the high costs of operating a small venue amidst challenging economic conditions in the sector. They also acknowledged the success of the venue’s programme and its collaboration with restaurant operators Kitty Fisher’s and Artusi.

The directors emphasised their pride in the team’s achievements and the variety of programming they managed to deliver in the intimate Soho space. They also thanked producers, artists, collaborators, and audiences for their support throughout the venue’s operation.

Bartlam and Wood noted that the closure will allow them to focus on other theatrical and venue projects currently in development, while promising a strong finish for Underbelly Boulevard Soho with six months of final events.

The directors also extended gratitude to Soho Estates for entrusting them with the venue and wished the property owners success in finding its next operator.

The decision closes a brief chapter for Underbelly in Soho, highlighting the ongoing financial challenges faced by independent theatres in central London. The final curtain will fall on Underbelly Boulevard Soho in January 2027.