A fire has ripped through iconic Melbourne theatre La Mama leaving staff and community members devastated.
Firefighters were called to the Carlton venue at 5am this morning to fight a blaze in the two story building. 50 firefighters were on the scene but the Metropolitan Fire Brigade say the building has been “severely damaged”.
John Kachoyan who has directed plays at the theatre wrote on social media this morning that the building is “gone”.
Performer Raymond Triggs further told The Age while visiting the site, “It’s like a good friend has died.”
La Mama has thanked everyone for their support on social media and also announced that tonight’s scheduled show will go ahead at a different venue.
“Thank you everyone for your support and thoughts – we sincerely appreciate it. Our staff are on site working through it together,” they wrote.
Bully Virus was the scheduled play for tonight and it will still go ahead at Syme Community Centre.
“#TheShowWillGoOn,” La Mama wrote.
The fire department is still investigating the cause of the blaze. They are expected to remain on site throughout the day.
A City of Melbourne Building Surveyor is also on the scene assessing the extent of the damage.
Thank you everyone for your support and thoughts – we sincerely appreciate it. Our staff are on site working through it together. We will update everyone in due time.
With so much gratitude and appreciations, La Mama and all. pic.twitter.com/iW6Zqla2hm— La Mama Theatre (@LaMamaTheatre) May 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/LaMamaTheatre/status/997645396074680320
The efforts of our @MFB_NEWS firefighters at #LaMama in #Carlton this morning protected neighbouring properties and businesses from this intense blaze. pic.twitter.com/wPFDLzSvtz
— MFB (@MFB_NEWS) May 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/JohnKachoyan/status/997609981435232256
