The Stage Door

Southampton

£50,000 Bridging the Gap Recipient - August 2014

The Stage Door will be Southampton's only cabaret style fringe theatre venue, located in the heart of Southampton's new Cultural Quarter, offering a wide variety of shows and events, bringing something new to the city on a weekly basis. The venue aims to bring a fresh approach to evening entertainment and dining rolled into one, with their 'Speakeasy Bar & Bistro.' The theatre plays host to small touring shows, children's theatre, pantomime, dinner style cabaret shows, stand-up comedy and film screenings.

The company requested funding to support the start-up of the new business through the purchase of key equipment and marketing.

Julianne Watling-McCarthy, CEO of The Stage Door, said:

Thanks to Bridging the Gap, we have managed to open a fabulous fringe theatre and restaurant & bar in the heart of Southampton's City Centre - offering a whole evening's entertainment under one roof.  We have created more than 10 full time jobs and have a wide variety of shows booked in right through till early 2016.  We have been able to bring something new and exciting to Southampton where you can go and have dinner, cocktails and see a show! And none of this would have been possible without the help and support of Bridging the Gap.  What a wonderful scheme!