A highly rated acting school is being forced to move due to the closure

A beloved theatre in Essex that has been open for decades finally closed its doors earlier this week after locals were left extremely disappointed.

Clifftown Theatre in Southend closed its doors on Monday after serving the community for two decades, marking what local representatives have described as a "challenging" moment for the city.

The venue, which has been integral to Southend's cultural landscape since opening 20 years ago, served as the base for East 15 Acting School throughout its operation.

The closure brings to an end an era that saw the theatre host both student productions and touring performances, establishing itself as a significant arts institution in the region.

Local politicians have responded to the announcement with dismay, acknowledging the profound impact the venue's departure will have on the area's cultural identity.

The drama school, which has trained some of Britain's most recognised performers, will now operate from The Lakeside Theatre in Colchester following the venue's closure.

Among those who studied at East 15 during its time at Clifftown are director Stephen Daldry and actor Blake Harrison.

Throughout its two-decade tenure, the theatre presented what it described as five-star productions, featuring work from both acting school students and acclaimed touring companies such as Vamos and Paines Plough.

The relocation to Colchester represents a significant shift for the drama school, which has been synonymous with the Southend venue for its entire existence at the site.

MPs Bayo Alaba and David Burton-Sampson issued a joint statement describing the news as "incredibly disappointing", adding: "We know many people across Southend will share our sadness."

The parliamentarians emphasised that the theatre had been "far more than a performance venue", having "nurtured generations of talented performers, enriched Southend's cultural life, and provided opportunities for students, residents and visitors alike".

They paid tribute to "the dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly to support their students, to the students themselves for their resilience, passion and creativity, and to the unions for their unwavering efforts to stand up for those affected throughout this difficult process".

Both MPs stressed their ongoing commitment to championing investment in Southend's creative industries.

A spokesman for Clifftown Theatre expressed gratitude to audiences who had supported the venue over its 20-year history, stating: "We are so very grateful to all of those who have chosen to lose themselves for an hour or two at Clifftown."

The theatre extended an invitation to patrons to attend future East 15 productions at the Colchester venue, saying: "We would love to welcome you to more of our sensational performances in the future."

In their closing remarks, the spokesman reflected on the venue's significance, stressing: "Clifftown is very special and your support has made it even more extraordinary. Thank you."