Dear All,

Welcome to the November edition of Ensemble.

We start with the news this month that Hastings Borough Council has announced that The Guildhall Trust will become the new operators of the White Rock Theatre in Hastings from February 2024.

Whilst we are sad that our contract to operate the White Rock Theatre is coming to an end, we are immensely proud of our excellent programming record, and the valuable community, Creative Learning, and commercial programmes that we have delivered over the last 15 years.

We remain fully committed to working with Hastings Borough Council and The Guildhall Trust during this transitional period to ensure that our staff, producing partnerships, and customers are fully informed and protected as much as possible. 

A huge thank you to Gavin Shuman and his amazing team in Hastings for their contribution, commitment, and dedication to the operation of the theatre and the work that they produce – which is first-rate.  And of course, we wish The Guildhall Trust and all the White Rock team, the very best of luck for the future as they enter this new phase.

In other developments, following the recent RAAC issues in Dartford and Southend, we are delighted with the news that construction work on Orchard West, the new temporary venue in Dartford, is now underway, and the Palace Theatre’s Dixon Studio in Southend is set to reopen later this month.

And hot on the heels of box office blockbuster, Taylor Swift: Eras Tour, Trafalgar Releasing has announced that another global superstar is coming to cinemas this December in the form of Beyoncé with her Renaissance Tour.

Finally, as we race towards the end of the year, we’d love to hear about your highlights of the past twelve months for a special Christmas Ensemble, due 18 December. So, if you’ve got a favourite production or cinema event from 2023, or you want to highlight a project you’re particularly proud of, then please send all the details to Dave Bradbury via email [email protected]

Until next time, take care of yourselves.
Best wishes,
Rosemary