Trust to manage theatre in move that will cut costs to tax payers

An independent charitable trust will take on the management of the Marlowe Theatre in a move that will save council tax payers hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The proposal has been described as “win-win” after councillors approved the transfer of the popular venue from the authority to the Marlowe Trust.

Not only will the creation of a trust allow theatre bosses to bid for cash from a wide range of sources, which the council was unable to do, but it will also unlock a host of other benefits.

Now detailed negotiations about how the transfer will take place are under way.

It has been calculated the change of stewardship will save the city council £238,000 in the first two years and £111,000 every year after.

Speaking after the meeting of the full council at which the transfer proposal was approved, the authority’s leader, Cllr Simon Cook, said: “Since it was reopened in 2011, the Marlowe has become an incredible success story thanks to the city coun- cil’s investment, the hard work and determination of its staff at all levels and the passionate support of its audiences.

“This decision signals the start of the next chapter in the theatre’s story and we are genuinely excited at the prospect of its future success.”

Jonathan Church, who is one of the country’s top theatre direc- tors and producers, has already been appointed as chairman of the Marlowe Trust.

He also told of his delight after councillors voted the transfer through.

“I think the fact that it was unanimous speaks volumes,” he said.

“I now look forward to putting together a shadow board and working with the theatre team in the coming months to bring this long-held plan to life.

“And, of course, I look forward to us working together beyond this into an even more successful future for the Marlowe.”

Mr Church was artistic director and joint chief executive at Chichester Festival Theatre and artistic director at Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Salisbury Playhouse, and is credited with transforming their fortunes.

He and the newly- formed shadow board will oversee the transfer of the theatre to The Marlowe Trust Ltd in the spring or summer.

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