Theatre Royal Margate takes starring role in the community

Rounds of public consultation and months of improvement works have seen Margate's historic Theatre Royal take a step further towards becoming one of the south east's premier arts venues.

Having opened its newly restored doors to the public earlier this year, east Kent's seasoned and budding theatre goers alike are already benefiting from the Theatre Trusts' new business vision.

Will Wollen, Artistic Director of the Theatre Royal Margate, observes: "Previously, financial difficulties meant that the Theatre was far more vulnerable to commercial pressures to be able to justifiably promote itself as 'the people's theatre'.

"With the financial restructuring that has taken place, the Theatre is now able to take on a much bigger role in community-life, so anyone can get involved."

By becoming more community focused, the Trust is hopeful that they will also be able to attract new audiences and bring in new funding to the local arts scene.

Thanet District Council, with the East Kent Partnership, Arts Council South East and Kent County Council, has been working in close partnership with the Theatre Royal Trust to introduce the new business plan.

Janet Waghorn, Executive Director of the East Kent Partnership, said: "We are delighted to have been involved in taking the Theatre forward into the next chapter of its exciting history. Residents should be proud of the new Theatre Royal, which we believe will also do much to attract investment and contribute the region's sub-economy."

Sarah Wren, Arts & Regeneration Officer at Kent County Council, added: "The new plans for Theatre Royal Margate promise to play an important role in attracting renewed interest in the arts in east Kent."

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