Theatre Royal's financial planning for secure future

IT is a “make or break” year for Theatre Royal Plymouth as it moves towards co-producing shows, a policy which brings financial risk but could also be a huge money-spinner.

- WILLIAM TELFORD

With audiences stabilising at about 320,000 people per year, TRP bosses are starting to create their own shows with the potential to earn big bucks for what is a huge economic generator for Plymouth.

This year, TRP will debut The Artist, The Devil Wears Prada, and The Creakers, all of which it has a hand in creating and a stake in profits.

TRP chief executive James Mackenzie-Blackman said the model is the way forward for the theatre, enabling it to earn more cash at a time when costs are rising.

“It’s make or break,” Mr Mackenzie-Blackman told The Herald. “The business model we are moving towards is co-producing and producing our own work.”

Next month, TRP will stage the world premiere of The Artist, based on the Oscar-winning movie. TRP is a co-producer with The McOnie Company, Playful Productions, Bill Damaschke and Underbelly in association with Stephen and Nancy Gabriel.

In July and August, it will preview The Devil Wears Prada, a new musical based on the blockbuster film and bestselling novel, with music by Sir Elton John. It is co-produced by TRP, Kevin McCollum/Alchemation, Rocket Entertainment/David Furnish and Jamie Wilson.

The theatre will also host the world premiere of The Creakers, by McFly’s Tom Fletcher, in October. TRP is co-producing with Impossible Producing, Smith & Brant Theatricals, and Gavin Kalin Productions.