Theatre Royal takings increase (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Theatre Royal takings increase

9:54am Wednesday 6th February 2008 in

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ALADDIN, was the most successful pantomime in the history of Winchester's Theatre Royal, its annual report has revealed.

The in-house production smashed all box office records, pulling in a whopping 14,000 people and helped the theatre stay in the black for the 2006/07 season.

During that same period, the Jewry Street based theatre's net income was £149,200, which has more than doubled in two years.

The balance sheet showed that the Theatre Royal raked in £65,796, and received £370,407 in grants from various bodies, including Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council and Arts Council England, South East.

The theatre hosted 263 performances on its stage during the 2006/07 period, which levelled out at around five per week.

When the theatre is not hosting a show, activities include taking delivery of sets, maintaining the theatre's equipment, such as lighting, or people are rehearsing for in-house productions.

Out of those, 52 performances were produced in-house and 67 featured young people from either the theatre or local schools or youth organisations.

Board chairman Peter Spelman said: "I am delighted to report that 2006/07 was another great year for Theatre Royal Winchester. To achieve a small financial surplus in a climate of increasing costs and financial pressures on funding is a tremendous result.

"The theatre's prize assets are the chief executive, Fiona Burn, the senior managers, members of staff and volunteers. Collectively they form a premier team with their sheer hard work and passion for making the theatre a success."

Ms Burn, said: "This balance is so crucial in the financial management of the venue and I am delighted to report a successive financial year ending in a small reserve.

"This was largely due to the overwhelming creative development and support from the theatre's largest in-house production, Aladdin. Aladdin smashed our previous box office records with over 14,000 attending this fun filled and visually stunning production, making it the most successful pantomime in the theatre's history."

Her report continued to thank the theatre's financial benefactors, its stakeholders, and the community.

"On many occasions in the seasonal brochures I use the term your Theatre Royal'. I believe ownership of the theatre should always be welcomed on its broadest sense," Ms Burn said.

She added that the Arts Council of England had stopped its funding of the theatre last year, and it is only supported financially by Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council, sponsors and Friends oif Theatre Royal Winchester.

"Without that funding there is absolutely no way that the theatre would be sustainable."