Statement from the Board of Trustees

Dear community of the BIT,

It is with deep regret that the Board of Trustees of Bristol Improv Theatre announces that it is closing its doors with immediate effect on 9 October 2026.

The timing of this closure is more sudden than we had hoped. Unforeseen circumstances have meant that we are no longer able to continue operating, and the BIT must therefore close with immediate effect.

We know this will come as a shock to many people, particularly those who were expecting to perform, attend classes, see shows, volunteer, work or simply spend time at the theatre in the coming days and weeks. We are deeply sorry that there has not been more time to prepare for this or to say goodbye in the way that many of us would have wanted.

We also know that for some people the Bristol Improv Theatre is more than a place they visit, it’s an important part of their social, creative and professional lives. The suddenness of this closure makes that loss especially difficult, and we are very conscious of the impact it will have across the community.

Like all of you, we love the BIT.

We love what this theatre stands for, what it represents, and the extraordinary community that has grown around it. Which is why it’s so painful to share this news.

How we reached this point

The reality is that the theatre’s finances have been precarious for a long time.

As a small independent arts organisation, the BIT has operated with very limited financial reserves, making it vulnerable when income falls short, operating costs increase, or unexpected pressures arise.

For a long time, the theatre has continued through an enormous amount of work, commitment and goodwill from staff, trustees, performers, teachers, volunteers and the community around it.

Over recent weeks, a detailed review of the organisation’s financial position was undertaken, alongside consideration of the options available to secure its future. Following a professional review of the theatre’s finances and extensive consideration of the available options, the charity was determined to be unsustainable.

This was not a decision made lightly.

What happens now

Notice: All remaining events, classes and activities organised by the Bristol Improv Theatre are now cancelled unless you are contacted directly and informed otherwise.

We know this closure will affect audiences, students, performers, teachers, freelancers, hirers and many others with bookings or commitments involving the theatre. Arrangements are currently being reviewed, and further information is expected to be communicated to those affected within the next weeks. Your patience and understanding during this time are greatly appreciated.

What we do not want is for the BIT to be remembered only for the financial circumstances of its closure.

The BIT exists because of the people who have made it what it is.

It exists because of every performer who stepped onto the stage, every teacher who helped someone discover confidence and creativity, every audience member who took a chance on a show, every volunteer who moved chairs or worked behind the bar, every member of staff who kept the building running, and every person who walked through these doors and found somewhere they belonged.

Thousands of friendships, memories and moments have been created here.

The Theatre closing cannot take that away.

None of us imagined that, as trustees of a theatre we love, we would find ourselves writing this message.

This is not the ending any of us wanted for the BIT.

We are enormously grateful to everyone who has given their time, energy, creativity, care and love to this place.

The BIT may be closing, but the community it created lives on across Bristol. People will keep making things together, performing together and building new spaces for improv and comedy in the city. That is part of the legacy of the Bristol Improv Theatre.