A COMMUNITY interest company which has been at the heart of Cornish cultural life has announced it has reached the end of the road.

Sterts Theatre has been enriching the lives of its community since it began in 1986 on a converted pig farm and had been celebrating 40 years since its launch by Anne and Ewert Sturrock.

During its illustrious tenure, the theatre and associated company has made its mission to enrich and entertain all those within its orbit from its striking ampitheatre on Bodmin Moor.

The board of Sterts Theatre CIC, which operates the organisation which has the mantra of enabling people to explore their own creativity and learning through doing, has confirmed that it has succumbed to the challenges being faced by the wider cultural and arts organisations across the United Kingdom.

Announcing the fact it would enter into a creditors’ voluntary liquidation, the board paid tribute to all those who had been a part of Sterts.

A spokesperson for Sterts Theatre CIC said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the closure of Sterts Theatre CIC.

“Following careful consideration, the Board has taken the difficult decision to place the CIC into Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation. This comes at an exceptionally challenging time for cultural and arts organisations across the sector.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of Sterts - our employees, volunteers, artists, freelancers, audiences, partners, funders, donors and supporters. Your creativity, generosity and commitment have shaped Sterts and the community around it.

“Sterts Theatre CIC has been brought to life by generations of people who have given their time, talent, imagination and heart to this special place.

“We are deeply sorry that we have not been able to secure Sterts’ future. To everyone who has given a part of themselves to our Theatre: thank you. You will always be part of its story.”