High steps close award-winning pub theatre

A pub theatre which triumphed at this year's Olivier Awards has been closed because of health and safety concerns.

Two productions have been suspended at the Cock Tavern Theatre, in Kilburn, because the height of the steps on its staircases do not comply with council rules.

An inspection of the 56-seat theatre, which is above a pub, also found that it had no entertainment licence.

A Cavalier for Milady, by Tennessee Williams - which was playing at the theatre - will transfer to the Charing Cross Theatre in the autumn.

A Butcher of Distinction, by Rob Hayes, transfers to the King's Head Theatre in Islington, with the first performace on Sunday.

The theatre said today: "Due to sudden licensing negotiations, the Cock Tavern Theatre has suspended sales to all shows as we cannot guarantee when performances will recommence.

"We are doing everything we can to get our productions back on as soon as possible. We are now contacting all customers to refund and reallocate tickets."

The council said the venue had "inadequate escape routes, poor seating and an unsuitable staircase In the event of a fire it would be hard to get out."

It added: "We have told the theatre that Brent is happy to work with them should they carry out improvements to the premises and reopen with the correct licence."

The theatre's production of La Bohème won best new opera at the Oliviers last month.