PRODUCER MICHAEL HARRISON OPENS MAYFLOWER THEATRE’S NEW STUDIO FOLLOWING £12 MILLION CAPITAL INVESTMENT
Mayflower Theatre Trust, today proudly shares images of Producer Michael Harrison, and Mayflower Chief Executive, Michael Ockwell opening Mayflower Theatre’s new double height rehearsal studio which was carried out over a closure period this summer, as part of a £12 million self-funded capital investment which has now been completed. This marks a significant milestone in the Charitable Trust’s ongoing commitment to the venue as well as the local community and wider theatre industry.
The substantial investment has been delivered to meet the needs of today and future audiences as well as the productions of tomorrow and includes a replacement to the original 1928 grid above the stage, upgrading and increasing the toilet facilities across the theatre and a new double-height studio which backs onto the stage and will support both modern touring productions and create new opportunities for making work.
Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive of Mayflower, said: “We are delighted to have welcomed Producer Michael Harrison to officially open our new studio in front of the whole staff body, signalling the completion of our capital investment. The building works on this project have spanned the last 18 months, with the theatre being closed through the summer to enable a new grid to be installed which offered us the opportunity to undertake other capital projects at the same time. Seeing these projects complete is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved.
It is thrilling that we have been able to create a modern, high-performing space within a historic, working theatre. This was a huge challenge, but the result is something we can all be incredibly proud of. This new development gives Mayflower the facilities and flexibility we need to keep growing, while making sure accessibility, sustainability and the future of our theatre remain at the heart of what we do.
We’re incredibly excited to see this fantastic new space come to life. It gives performers, visiting companies and our communities the modern, accessible facilities they deserve and creates even greater opportunities for creativity to flourish.”
Michael Harrison, Producer of Michael Harrison Entertainment, said: “It was an honour to be asked to officially open Mayflower Theatre’s new studio at their staff familiarisation event, completing 18 months of building works. Mayflower places a real importance on its people, and it was so lovely that the whole staff body got to be a part of this moment. The studio is a really exciting opportunity for both Mayflower but also for the wider theatre industry to both nurture new talent through education and participation programmes and also to develop new work. I cannot wait to see what Mayflower create with this new space.”
In addition to the studio, the capital investment has also seen a new Reception and Stage Door, additional accessible dressing rooms as well as more connections between the administration building, which was added in 2010, and the Grade II-listed theatre. These developments will create a high-quality environment for both professional touring companies and Mayflower’s extensive Participation and Education programmes. Mayflower has also utilised this period to undertake the most significant refurbishment of its toilet facilities in its 98-year history, whereby they have increased total capacity from 43 to 62 cubicles (including 12 new universal facilities), reintroduced urinals in male toilets, and provided 30 additional wash basins.
Matt Goode, Chief Operating Officer of Mayflower, said: “Creating the best possible experience for our customers is at the heart of everything we do, and we knew our toilet facilities were an area where we needed to do better. Working closely with our heritage architects, we have increased the number and size of cubicles, improved accessibility and created facilities that complement the character of this historic building. As Mayflower Theatre approaches its centenary, this refurbishment demonstrates our commitment to investing in both our audiences and the long-term future of one of the country’s finest theatres.”
Whilst largely unseen by audiences, the grid above the stage plays a vital role in supporting scenery, lighting and stage equipment. Replacing the original 1928 grid will ensure Mayflower Theatre continues to accommodate some of the world’s largest and most technically demanding touring productions.
Mayflower Theatre is delighted to welcome audiences back to experience world-class theatre with the spectacular five-week run of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which opened on 24 September and continues until 24 October 2026.