A CORNISH theatre company known for its innovation and energy is winding down.

The Kneehigh Theatre was founded four decades ago and has dazzled audiences both at home in Cornwall and around the world.

The theatre’s trustees say their decision follows a recent change in artistic leadership and has been taken “with sadness and regret”.

In 2020, founding artistic director Mike Shepherd announced he was leaving.

All shows for this year and beyond, including the Asylum season, will now no longer take place.

Since Kneehigh announced the news on social media, around 850 people have left comments. Many are from those who have followed the theatre company's journey for decades, and praise all those involved with Kneehigh while they describe being 'heartbroken' at the news. Others are from teachers who speak of how their students have been inspired by watching performances.A spokesperson said: “Whilst the last year has been a difficult time for many people, including those employed in the arts, performance and theatre, Kneehigh’s financial stability has enabled the company to continue to create work throughout the pandemic.

“Kneehigh is grateful to their principal funder Arts Council England and for the significant recent support received from the Culture Recovery Fund, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the Coastal Communities Fund, Cornwall Council, and Garfield Weston Foundation.”

Changes in artistic leadership had raised questions as to whether Kneehigh could sustain its vision any longer, the spokesperson said.

“The Trustees and company reflected on a possible new future, but concluded that it was better and more responsible to close Kneehigh and ensure an orderly wind down.

“The company wants to thank everyone who came to watch the performances, the artists they have had the pleasure to work alongside, the industry collaborators and partners, the volunteers and community groups who shared their time, knowledge and stories, as well as the funders and the friends – all of whom made the work possible.”

Hedda Archbold, Chair of the Board, said: “The board wants to acknowledge that this is a difficult time for the Kneehigh team. We want to thank them for the excellent work they have done and pay tribute to their passion and commitment to Kneehigh.

“Last Saturday, the brilliant Random Acts of Art had its final performance. The project has been a high point on which to end. These bold, playful, humorous and thought-provoking creative works brought together dozens of collaborators all across Cornwall, and delighted audiences out and about as well as online. Eclectic, anarchic, inspiring and inclusive, it embodied the spirit of Kneehigh we have loved for the past 40 glorious years. Despite the challenges of the past year, it has been an incredible journey filled with joy and delight.”

Phil Gibby, Arts Council, Area Director, South West, said: “We are sad to see Kneehigh Theatre’s final chapter come to an end, but we support the Trustees’ decision to wind down the company, and believe it is the best course of action they could have taken under the circumstances.

“We celebrate the company’s wonderful forty years of dazzling audiences from their clifftop home in Cornwall, across our country, and worldwide.

“We are working with the Board to support them to wind down the company, by helping to alleviate the impact on the remaining staff. We will work closely with Cornwall Council and other local partners to ensure there will be new opportunities for Cornish artists and theatre makers for generations to come.”