Live experience agency Stagestruck UK has entered liquidation after 42 years in business, citing ongoing instability in the Middle East and project cancellations as factors contributing to the closure.
In a statement confirming the news, Stagestruck’s managing director Paul Finch, said: “It is with deep sadness that I confirm Stagestruck Ltd ceased trading on Wednesday the 27th of May, bringing to a close 42 incredible years. We are now entering liquidation.”
He said that following the recent US/Iran conflict, a major project due for delivery this month was first postponed and then, at short notice, cancelled entirely for this year and that the sudden loss of the work had an “immediate and severe impact” on the business.
“We explored every feasible option to continue trading, but the situation ultimately became untenable, leaving us with no alternative. I am truly heartbroken that we could not find a way through,” Finch continued.
“Stagestruck has always stood for excellence and for building long-term partnerships based on respect, regardless of who we worked with. Over four decades, it grew into far more than a company, it became a family.”
He paid tribute to the company’s employees, freelancers, suppliers, and clients, adding: “Together, we created extraordinary experiences and lasting memories that we can all be proud of.”
Founded in 1984, Stagestruck provided event services for global brands including strategy, creative direction, experience design, content and production. Its client portfolio included brands such as M&S, Skoda, Samsung, BP and ESPN.
Separately, Stagestruck Qatar posted a statement on LinkedIn saying: “Its with great sadness we see the Stagestruck UK barn doors close for the final time – affecting colleagues who are, in every sense, part of our family.
“The UK team embodied everything that makes Stagestruck what it is – inspirational, fiercely professional, and all with a warmth and humour that has made working alongside them an absolute joy.
“After we have a moment to breathe and reflect, we choose to step forward and keep the momentum we have gathered here in Qatar and the wider GCC by keeping our doors open and focusing our effort on continuing delivering excellence and forging great relationships with our clients and the wider events community and we hope to see some of our Stagestruck UK friends and freelancers in Doha again sometime soon.”