New LGBTQ+ theatre, café-bar and workspace under construction on site of former bears club XXL in London

A new LGBTQ+ theatre, café-bar and workspace is currently under construction on the site of former bears club XXL at Bankside Yards, on London’s Southbank.

Supported with £1.5million of funding from Southwark Council, Chroma is a new LGBTQ+ cultural facility being constructed in the cathedral-like railway arches. It will comprise a 140-seat studio theatre, which will host experimental theatre, cabaret and live music from LGBTQ+ artists; a fully licensed café-bar; and workspaces with private studios. 

Chroma is a collaboration between five partners, including The Trampery, which is a “queer-owned specialist in workspaces and cultural facilities”. A release from The Trampery stated: ”The railway arches where Chroma is coming to life were previously occupied by XXL, the bear nightclub which closed in 2019, following protests at the club’s femme-phobic and trans-phobic policies. In contrast, Chroma belongs to everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community. No group will be privileged over another. All identities will be celebrated.”

The 140 seat, fully-equipped studio theatre promises to be a multi-function space, occupying one of the double-height railway arches. The venue will host an evening programme including experimental theatre, cabaret and live music from LGBTQ+ artists.

A residency is being offered for an established LGBTQ+ collective, providing exclusive use of the theatre space for three evenings each week of the year. Applications for the Chroma theatre residency are open now. The evening programme will be accompanied by a daytime programme of workshops and community activities, delivered by London LGBTQ+ Community Centre.

Bisila Noha, General Manager of the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre, said: “Since we opened our doors in Hopton Street back in 2021, we have been overwhelmed by the community's demand for space to run activities, build connections and simply be, comfortably and safe.

"Being able to expand our programme in such a fantastic new venue will allow us to welcome even more people and improve our offer in both spaces. It is an exciting time for our community and we are thrilled to be part of it.”