The stage at the Etcetera in Camden Town

A PUB theatre in the heart of Camden Town has made a last ditch plea for funds to save it from closure, as the annual Camden Fringe Festival gets under way.

The Etcetera Theatre, above the Oxford Arms pub in Camden High Street, said the independent playhouse was in serious danger due to a drop-off in bookings from drama troupes.

An online fundraiser for £7500 has been set up to help pay-off mounting debts.

“If we don’t get a miracle it’s not going to survive,” artistic director Otto Jaeger told the New Journal.

“The problems started in Covid. We didn’t get a lot of support. But the real problem now is that [theatre] companies are not booking the space like they used to. Unless you get funding from Arts Council or something it’s very difficult to make it work.

“Most companies are self-funded. The performers, no one makes any money. If you hire space and only your friends come to see you – you will only be breaking even. It’s a tough business model. Then there is the audience. We have the cost of living. Theatre is such a luxury for most people

“We are open for students and beginners. That’s our main crowd. They cannot afford to go and pay ridiculous amounts other venues are charging. Losing the space will mean a lot of young people cannot get into performing or putting on a play.

“Then there is Camden Town – most of the small places are being replaced by very corporate businesses. This is London. One of the capitals of the world. The Etcetera should be booked every day of the week.”

Mr Jaeger has worked as a technician and in the box office at the theatre since 2017, and has taken over running the business last year.

“It’s not looking great. There are arrears. I am the last guy who knows how everything runs but I am not going to work for free,” he said.

” I don’t want to get into a position were we are owing staff money. Either I can pay the people or I can’t.”

The Etcetera Theatre was set up by owner David Bidmead in 1986. It is one of several above-pub theatres that have been in the borough for decades but are now struggling.

It has become a mainstay of the Camden Fringe Theatre that gets underway next month.

The festival is a busy time for the Etcetera that will be showing three or four shows a day. Shows are on at the theatre throughout August for the Camden Fringe, with tickets costing £15.

An online fundraiser has been set up with GoFundMe. – See Review, page 18