The Mermaid London (London, Great Britain)
The Mermaid London
The Mermaid Theatre was a theatre encompassing the site of Puddle Dock and Curriers' Alley at Blackfriars in the City of London, and the first built in the City since the time of Shakespeare. It was, importantly, also one of the first new theatres to abandon the traditional stage layout; instead a single tier of seats surrounded the stage on three sides.
The Mermaid London is a leading conference and events venue in the City of London. As a blank canvas, multi-room venue, there are spaces where you can build the perfect environment to learn, play, laugh, think, shout, work, create and bond. Rooms are completely adaptable, and the team is creative and always ready to help.
Loss of theatre status, and redevelopment plans
In September 2008, the Corporation of London City Planning Committee, against the advice of the Theatres Trust and noted actors, producers and artistic directors, granted a certificate that stripped the former playhouse of its theatre status. The move may save the developer £6 million worth of Section 106 funding which it had previously agreed to pay in lieu if it closed the 600-seat Mermaid; the company could be released from the obligation because no theatrical productions have taken place for more than ten years. The existing plans would see the Puddle Dock building converted into a conference centre and fitness suite, plus offices, a nightclub and retail and restaurant space. Campaigners were concerned that the entire building might be demolished. The former chairman of the Save London's Theatres Campaign, John Levitt, called the decision “a tragedy” and “sheer meanness”.
In 2021, the Mermaid Theatre still exists as a conference centre, called The Mermaid London.