Titchfield Festival Theatre goes into administration

Titchfield Festival Theatre has entered administration and ceased trading.

Administrators were appointed on 8th May after the Hampshire company reached what chairman Christopher Milburn described as an “unviable financial position”.

Milburn told members all performances and rehearsals had been cancelled, adding that “sadly there was no option”.

Earlier this year, the Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into the venue, citing governance concerns.

Among the groups affected by the closure is Titchfield Youth Theatre, which said it was “deeply saddened and shocked” by the closure and described the theatre as a long-standing base for its activities.

The group said young performers had been left without a space for weekly sessions and upcoming productions.

Titchfield Festival Theatre had been involved in a long-running dispute with Fareham Borough Council after a 450-seat auditorium was built at the site without planning permission. The theatre later challenged enforcement action through legal proceedings.

David Hamilton, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition on the council, described the closure as a “significant blow to our community”, adding that the theatre had played an important role in Fareham’s cultural life for many years.

Fareham Borough Council leader Simon Martin described the closure as “obviously sad”, but suggested the theatre may not have collapsed had it not pursued a lengthy dispute with the council over planning enforcement.

He added that Fareham Live would help support community groups affected by the closure where possible.