The future of the Theatre Museum was dealt a blow today after key backers pulled out of negotiations to save the site.
It had been hoped that the Society of London Theatre, which represents West End theatres, would join the scheme and contribute funds to redevelop the museum. But its board has vetoed any involvement.
The Victoria & Albert Museum and the Royal Opera House, which own the Covent Garden museum, have proposed to merge their archives to create a new venue dedicated to the performing arts.
But Society of London Theatre chief executive Richard Pulford has told The Stage newspaper that it would not be working with the V&A and ROH to help save the capital's only theatre museum.
Mr Pulford said: "The board has decided it would rather use its resources for audience development elsewhere ... we are not going to be in a formal partnership with the V&A and ROH." It is expected the organisations will now seek new partners for the scheme.
The V&A said in a statement that it was going ahead with its plans despite the setback. "The V&A and Royal Opera House are continuing their discussions over the future of the Theatre Museum site in Covent Garden.
"The two organisations hope to be able to announce details of a partnership and a new programme of exhibitions and educational events based on their collections."
The Theatre Museum is expected to close at the end of the year until autumn next year to undergo renovation, subject to the V&A giving final approval that it will keep it open.
The V&A had earlier sought to close it after making an unsuccessful £2.5 million bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
But a campaign led by Dame Vanessa Redgrave, Sir Donald Sinden and theatre producer Thelma Holt is credited with changing its mind, as well as the involvement of the Royal Opera House.
John Levitt, chairman of the Save London's Theatres Campaign and a leading figure in battle to keep the Theatre Museum in Covent Garden, said: "It's a pity. I would have thought that any input from theatre managements large and small has to be a good thing. I also think it would have brought a balance that may now not be there."
