The most successful year ever for Manor Pavilion

Manor Pavilion Theatre

Wednesday 10 March

Sidmouth's Manor Pavilion Theatre and Arts Centre is going from strength to strength and, in spite of the economic climate, had its best year ever in 2009.

And the future looks bright as well.

  • The Arts Centre is now hired out from Monday to Friday and is booked through to March 2011.
  • The foyer space is let out for art and photography exhibitions and is fully booked for 2010.
  • The Theatre is taking bookings 10 months in advance from visiting companies wanting to stage productions there.
  • Audience figures have increased faster than expected, with many shows selling out.
  • A new Box Office ticket purchasing scheme has been introduced and many people are now buying tickets for three or four shows at a time.

Added to all this, the Theatre publishes a successful What’s On Guide and there has been a healthy increase in the number of subscribers to the free mailing list, who want to be the first to know what is happening.

The bar is popular before and after the shows, with all profits from the bar sales supporting the running of the venue.

Entertained

Theatre Manager Graham Whitlock said: “Despite the present economic climate, or maybe because of it, it’s clear that the public want to be entertained more than ever before.

“We aim to provide good value, quality entertainment that appeals to everyone.  Our figures show that we appear to be getting it right. However, we are not complacent, and are always looking for new ideas and initiatives to keep our audiences interested and happy”.

Councillor Graham Liverton, Chairman of the Manor Pavilion Advisory Committee, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the theatre is proving such a success. This is what we set out to achieve when we appointed Graham as Manager and started introducing new ideas for the theatre.

“Graham and his team are to be congratulated on the fruits of their labour. It’s great to think that Sidmouth has a theatre that is vibrant and successful, providing a popular facility for residents and visitors alike”.

For further press information please contact:

Nick Stephen, Communications Officer, on 01395 517 559

East Devon District Council, Knowle, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 8HL