Theatre 118 closes its doors in less than a year
The innovative theatre group has suddenly lost its performance space
Theatre 118, a grassroots theatre company based in Glasgow, has been forced to close its doors after less than a year in its performance space at the former office block 118 Osborne Street. The group was given only seven days to quit and clear out of its space, leaving its future in flux.
Starting its first season of plays in July 2025, Theatre 118 took its cues from the innovative A Play, A Pie And A Pint series, and flew the flag for affordability at a time when a theatre ticket is perceived as prohibitively expensive. In a statement from last year, Theatre 118 founder David Hewitson cited its main mission ‘to find, develop and support new voices’ and to create opportunities in a ‘challenging cultural environment’.
He continued: ‘Audiences are in for a treat in a unique setting, in the company of fantastic, passionate creatives. We've tried to make sure tickets are kept affordable and the shows will be BYOB.'
Since that time, Theatre 118 has supported more than 400 artists, welcomed more than 1,500 audience members, and hosted more than 50 public event, and has been supported by volunteers to keep making theatre accessible for Glasgow’s grassroots artists.
Despite the notice to quit, a statement from Theatre 118 said: ‘[We] are actively searching for a new home. Theatre 118 isn't finished — we're just between buildings.’
One cultural writer, Neil Cooper, took to Instagram to express his dismay at its closure: ‘Theatre 118 is one of the best grassroots theatre initiatives in the country. Situated in an old office block in the centre of Glasgow, over the last 6 months or so it has put on a ton of work and provided a vital platform for writers, directors and actors.’
Theatre 118 has promised to share more details of its future ‘as soon as we have them’. To keep track of its progress, follow Theatre 118 on Instagram.