Dear All,

Welcome to the July 2026 edition of Ensemble.

As many of you will know, last month’s biggest news was the acquisition of London Theatre Company and with it The Bridge Theatre.  

This exciting development represents a significant milestone for our Group and marks another important step in our continued growth.

Adding The Bridge Theatre to our portfolio strengthens our presence within London’s vibrant and dynamic theatre landscape and brings with it exciting opportunities for the future. We see enormous potential to further develop and expand our producing output, as well as deepen relationships with co-producers, creatives and collaborators across the industry. We are hugely excited by the opportunities ahead and look forward to working together to build on The Bridge’s outstanding reputation for delivering world-class theatre.

I would also like to congratulate the entire Bridge Theatre team on the successful opening of The Oresteia. The production has received a phenomenal critical reception, earning widespread acclaim from reviewers and audiences alike. Thank you to everyone involved, both on stage and behind the scenes, for your hard work, creativity and commitment in bringing this ambitious production to life.

Last week saw The Chiswick Cinema celebrate its fifth birthday. Reaching such a milestone is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the dedication of the whole team. The anniversary celebrations were a great success and I would like to thank and congratulate everyone at Chiswick for creating such a special occasion for customers, supporters and the local community.

Across the globe, there is more good news to celebrate. Theatre Royal Sydney has enjoyed a record-breaking start for Noël Coward’s Private Lives, achieving the highest first-day ticket sales for a play since the theatre reopened. Congratulations to the entire team on this remarkable achievement.

Meanwhile, our producing teams continue to generate excitement and momentum. Last week we welcomed influencers and key figures from both the theatre and anime communities to immersive nightclub 77 London for the launch of Death Note the Musical, helping to build anticipation for what promises to be a hugely exciting production. At the same time, High Society has now embarked on its major UK and Ireland tour following its record-breaking run at the Barbican, giving audiences across the country the opportunity to enjoy this fantastic production.

While England’s hopes of lifting the World Cup trophy may have come to an end, the Bradford Live Fan Park has been a tremendous success and a wonderful celebration of football and community spirit. Over recent weeks, thousands of people have come together to support England, creating an atmosphere filled with passion, pride and togetherness. The event showcased the very best of Bradford, and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in delivering such a memorable experience and bringing the magic of the World Cup to Bradford Live.

Finally, I would also like to recognise Phil Sage at New Theatre Cardiff, who this year celebrates an extraordinary 50 years of service at the venue. Phil’s story is woven into the very fabric of the theatre, having dedicated his entire working life to welcoming audiences, supporting colleagues, maintaining the building and helping create unforgettable experiences for generations of theatregoers. Reaching such a remarkable milestone is a testament to his loyalty, commitment and passion for the theatre industry. On behalf of everyone across the Group, congratulations, Phil, and thank you for dedicating your career and so much of your life to New Theatre Cardiff. Your contribution is truly exceptional.

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

Best wishes
Rosemary