Twickenham Theatre has been forced to close after the London Road pub beneath it was sold.

Executive director Tony Green, who has lived in Twickenham for 25 years, received the news at the weekend and handed over the keys this morning (Tuesday).

He claimed the 62-capacity fringe theatre was meant to receive three months notice but instead was given just two days by the pub’s new landlord.

Mr Green, a West End producer, said: “I had heard rumblings for a while and your instinct tells you when something is not right.

“I was told a few days ago about the new landlords but I was assured everything was going to be fine.

“But I was then told the theatre didn’t feature in their plans and to clear the theatre out as soon as possible.”

The blow came just two days after the London Road fringe theatre’s critically-acclaimed debut production of Sweeney Todd came to an end.

Having realised his dream of providing the town with a dedicated theatre space, Mr Green will now turn his attentions to seeking out a new site.

He said: “I wanted to create a dedicated performance arts space in Twickenham and that is exactly what I did.

“I am not disheartened by the recent news because the success of Sweeney Todd informs me there is indeed a market in the area for a fringe space which produces quality productions.

“So it means there will be a pause in delivering on the goal whilst we go out and find somewhere else.”

All upcoming events at the theatre have been cancelled and customers will be refunded.

Councillor Meena Bond, Richmond Council cabinet member for the arts, said she had arranged a meeting with the theatre and would help in any way she could.

She added: “There is clearly a demand and we will work with them to find a more permanent venue.”

Sweeney Todd, which starred Olivier Award winner David Bedella, sold every ticket of its original month-long run and again when extra dates were added due to popular demand.

It was the first arts and entertainment venue in Twickenham open to production companies for more than 250 years.