| C U L T U R E | S till under the Artistic Direction of Peter Bull, who founded the theatre in 2008 above The Stag pub in the side streets of Victoria station, the venue has moved twice – arriving a decade later on the Albert Embankment, south of the Thames. There’s a fabulous atmosphere in the cafe bar at the front. Everything from the furnishings to the team is stylish, relaxed, fresh and dynamic. Two performance spaces are beyond; the main house is a 100 seater, and there is a smaller 60 seater studio too. As one might expect, all details are meticulously well judged and delivered, from the balance of intimacy and proximity to the stage in the theatres, to the tasty and well-priced food prepared by The Bear Chefs. Originally set up to host plays and musicals, with an emphasis on new work touching on gay themes, the theatre has increasingly attracted interest and support from many corners of the entertainment community. Patrons Lord Michael Cashman CBE (Eastenders), Su Pollard (Hi-de-Hi!), Andy Bell (singer of 1980s band Erasure) have given it plenty kudos and the result 18 THE RIVER MAGAZINE | Winter 2018 A B OV E T Above: Grindr THE OPERA returns by popular demand in January 2019. Below: Rupert Street Lonely Hearts Club, with (from left to right) Hal Geller, Phoebe Vigor, Myles Devonte, Amy Dunn and Tom Whittaker A L L P H O T O S B Y P B G S T U D I O S