Winchester theatre boss upbeat about future (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Winchester theatre boss upbeat about future

5:30pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in News

Winchester Theatre Royal is confident of its long term future despite the financial climate and uncertainty over grants.

The theatre is set to receive less funding in this year’s council budget but its boss was confident it would survive through providing quality attractions.

But Mark Courtice, director of the theatre, told a ‘Cafe Culture’ meeting that the theatre had to focus on getting paying audiences in rather than council grants.

He said: “We do still continue to have local authority support from both Winchester and Hampshire councils. They both support us really to the hilt as much as they can.

“It is not enough, no, but that’s not their fault, that’s just how life is. That’s why I talk about keeping the theatre full because that’s the way we are going to survive.”

He added: “There are about 50 different audiences out there and I want to tap into each one of them.

“What I think about the future of the Theatre Royal is more planning, more places to work in, more productions and more fun.”

Mr Courtice said the theatre was looking into a partnership with Winchester Discovery Centre to put on a series of family events while there were also plans to involve older performers by visiting lunch clubs and working with charity Age UK.

He also praised the upcoming spring season at the Theatre Royal which includes an all-black cast production of Waiting for Godot, stand up comedy from Russell Kane and opera with The Barber of Seville.

It will also host a series of talks and workshops throughout spring relating to its productions, including pre-show discussions and after show question sessions.

Chris Turner, executive director of Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) said he thought the programme would be a success.

He said: “I think this whole programme is incredibly exciting and there will be more crossover of audiences as we get into it.”