One of the last bastions of new plays in the West End was sold today - to the man behind The Mousetrap.
The New Ambassadors theatre, which under producer Sonia Friedman boasted a strong focus on new writing, has been bought by Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen.
He currently owns both the neighbouring St Martin's Theatre - where Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap has played since 1974 - and the Victoria Palace, home to Billy Elliot.
Theatre insiders today said the venue, which is showing political satire Whipping It Up and has previously staged Nicholas Kent's Guantanamo, On the Third Day - winner of a nationwide search for a first-time dramatist - could be in danger of becoming a home to "bums on seats" shows.
"It's not going to be the same as it was," said one source. "For Sonia Friedman, new plays are her thing and it's not really Sir Stephens's."
The sale has also fuelled speculation Sir Stephen may transfer The Mousetrap back to the New Ambassadors where it first premiered in 1952.
He told The Stage: "I have no imminent plans to transfer The Mousetrap, but never say never. My policy for The Ambassadors will be as it has always been in all my venues. I want hits. But some of them will be new plays."
