The Ambassador Theatre Group: Press: Press Releases
Press Releases
Issued : 9 June 2003
Joint Press Release
THE FUTURE OF WIMBLEDON THEATRE IS SECURED
The Wimbledon Civic Theatre Trust (WCTT) and the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) are on the verge of signing a deal to secure the long-term future of Wimbledon Theatre, with ATG taking on the management of the venue in November this year. The London Borough of Merton owns the building and has been giving considerable support to the arrangement by agreeing to changes to the lease.
ATG is renowned for its highly successful management of theatre venues throughout the UK and is currently the second biggest theatre group in the West End and separately, in the regions. It is also one of the country's foremost theatre producers and has been behind some of the most successful and innovative productions in Britain and internationally, including Three Sisters, Absolutely! (perhaps) and The Rocky Horror Show. ATG's aim for Wimbledon Theatre is to present high quality and accessible entertainment in a welcoming environment. This means programming well-known musicals, opera, popular large-scale drama, variety, ballet, dance, comedy, amateur productions and a traditional pantomime.
WCTT will continue to operate with a view to supporting educational and community activities at the Theatre and to monitor the work of the management company.
WCTT has managed and operated Wimbledon Theatre for the past 12 years without any outside financial support, however recently it has experienced financial problems that has meant that it has had to look for a partner to take on the day-to-day management of the Theatre. The Theatre is currently closed and due to the financial circumstances, regrettably staff have been made redundant, although there will be new job opportunities at the theatre with ATG later this year.
Rosemary Squire, Executive Director, Ambassador Theatre Group
Taking over the management of this historic theatre should be an exciting addition to our group. We look forward to taking this wonderful venue into a bright and prosperous future and we commit to provide Wimbledon and South-West London with the best quality entertainment and first class customer care.
Continued...
Keith Davis, Director of Customer Services & Development, London Borough of Merton
To secure the long-term future of Wimbledon Theatre, Merton has been glad to help broker an agreement between the Ambassador Theatre Group and Wimbledon Civic Theatre Trust.
We are also very pleased to report that Merton is spearheading a rescue package for this year's Cannizaro Festival that was set to be cancelled by the Trust. We are currently looking at ways we can work with partner organisations to see that the Festival goes ahead.
Paul Harper, Chair, Wimbledon Civic Theatre Trust
We very much look forward to working with ATG who are the perfect group with the right experience in theatre management to further develop the venue and make it one of the most vibrant and successful theatres in the country.
Despite our financial difficulties a lot has been achieved in recent years including the major improvements made possible by our successful Lottery bid and we believe that this deal is the most exciting opportunity the theatre has had in its long history.
We very much regret the redundancies at the venue and would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff over the years for their hard work, loyalty and support and we trust there will be new job opportunities for the staff at the theatre.
ENDS
For more information, please contact the following:
AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP Press Office:
John Chittenden - 01483 545822 / johnchittenden@theambassadors.com
LONDON BOROUGH OF MERTON Press & PR Office:
Jason Hill - 020 8545 3434 / jason.hill@merton.gov.uk
WIMBLEDON CIVIC THEATRE TRUST spokesperson:
Sim Comfort - 020 8944 8747 / sim@simcomfort.demon.co.uk