Dear All,

Welcome to the September 2024 edition of Ensemble.

The countdown is on! With just over a week to go until we officially open the doors of Fareham Live to the public, we do so with a sense of pride and a deep understanding of the responsibility that comes with this endeavour.  

This theatre will serve as a cultural hub, a place where people from all walks of life can come together to experience the magic of live performance.

Our vision for this theatre is to create a space where stories are told, emotions are felt, and memories are made. Fareham Live will present a diverse array of performances, from drama and music to dance and comedy, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.  

But before the official gala performance of The Rocky Horror Show on 1 October, it’s all systems go next week with a Media Day, venue tours, test performances, presentations, and our sell-out premiere show The Prat Pack starring Bradley Walsh and friends.

I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has worked tirelessly on the Fareham project over the past year. You should all be immensely proud of what you have collectively achieved, and I hope you enjoy the opening celebrations with a well deserved glass of bubbly. 

Congratulations are also in order this month for the team at London Theatre Direct who are celebrating an astonishing 25 years in the business. During that quarter Century, LTD has overseen more than 6,000 shows, and has sold more than 15 million tickets, grossing over one billion pounds in ticket sales. An incredible achievement. 

Howard and I had the pleasure of attending the press launch of Clueless The Musical in London last week. We’re really excited to be bringing the show to Trafalgar Theatre next February. 

Finally, TE has signed up to appear at this year’s TheatreCraft on Monday 11 November. TheatreCraft is the UK’s largest free offstage theatre careers event for people aged 16-30. Last year, they welcomed over 1,000 attendees plus teachers and people from the theatre industry to the Royal Opera House and at workshops and tours all around the West End. 

At our enhanced exhibitor stand we’re planning to showcase careers across all TE divisions, including work experience and training opportunities. We are looking for representatives from our businesses and group departments to take part on the day, so if you’re interested in helping out, please contact Dave Bradbury before the end of this month. 

Enjoy reading this month’s Ensemble, and until next time, take care of yourselves.

Best wishes
Rosemary