2012

So here we are in 2013. I actually never thought we would get to this day with five productions going so wonderfully well over this period. Staging five shows was a tall order by any measure but to have staged all five shows with such fantastic and happy companies, such great stage management teams, such brilliant work by the creatives, with such fabulous reviews and audience feedback and great success at the box office, is quite astounding. I went to see Roger Haines’ production of CHARLOTTE’S WEB at Derby Theatre yesterday and it was such a delight. Everything about the show is beautiful and the cast are fantastic – such sincerity, integrity and commitment to the story – all told against a glorious backdrop created by Jamie Vartan and Ben Ormerod. And to find everyone having such a great time – it’s as good as it gets. It’s rewarding too for the success of the shows to be reflected in the reviews.

Critics see so many shows over Christmas that it must be hard to see the wood for the trees, so to have receieved such a fantastic collection of notices for all the shows from national and local critics is a credit to everyone involved. Most importantly of all, the public have responded so well to the productions. Our founding policy of keeping all our shows affordable to ALL has struck just the right note in these difficult times. Theatre should be part of everyone’s lives, not just a special treat when the family have saved up enough to afford it. And to have succceeded in presenting first class theatre around the country at a price everyone can afford is the real tribute to everything everyone has achieved in these last few months. This morning I heard what a great first day the new cast have had on the first day of rehearsals for HORRIBLE HISTORIES: the adventure continues!