Dwindling audience numbers have been blamed for killing off the theatre in the Birds Nest pub in Deptford Church Street, Deptford.

Owner Martin Bird and his partner Chrissie said it was a shame to see the theatre go and would love it to stay.

Martin, who has owned the pub for 27 years, said: "I have supported the theatre for the past 10 years and we would love to see the theatre stay but if local people don't support it, how can we keep going?"

Chrissie added: "There is a real community spirit here and people come to the pub but they don't use the theatre."

The couple are currently applying for permission to turn the theatre into a salsa hall. They hope it will be ready in two to three months.

In the mean time they would welcome other ideas and suggestions on what people would like to see in the pub in addition to salsa with the best idea will be rewarded with a meal for four in the pub's newly opened restaurant Confession.

Call Chrissie or Martin on 020 9692 1928 or write to them at The Birds Nest, 32 Deptford Church Street, SE8 4RZ.