'The end of an adventure': L'Improviste theatre to close

L'Improviste, Belgium's only theatre specialised in improvisation, will close its doors in April after nearly six years of operation, its director has announced.

Director Patrick Spadrille said the last productions at the Brussels theatre will be performed in March and April.

Launched in autumn 2018, L'Improviste took pride in being Belgium's first theatre devoted solely to improv performances.

“It's the end of an adventure,” Spadrille said, adding that the reasons for this decision were mainly personal.

“I need to stop this enormous personal and human investment, and take a step back. I don't intend to relaunch such an activity, but I will potentially continue with my personal shows in the future.”

The venue offers shows for adults and children, both French- and English-speaking, and attracted the attention of the New York Times during the pandemic, following twice-weekly live webcasts during the coronavirus shutdown.

The venue, which is “still available for hire at the moment”, will be put up for sale once the shows currently on the agenda are over.

Spadrille said there had been interested parties, but “nothing concrete yet.”