ATG’s Squire Takes Over SOLT, Focus on FundingDate: 29 June 2005
Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) co-founder and executive director Rosemary Squire (pictured) has been elected president of the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), the industry body for London’s main theatre owners, producers and managers, which, amongst other services, organises the annual Laurence Olivier Awards and runs the tkts discount ticket booths in Leicester Square and Canary Wharf.
Squire, who succeeds Sir Stephen Whaley-Cohen, is only the second woman to ever hold the position in SOLT’s 97-year history. She will serve for three years until July 2008, combining it with her ongoing day-to-day responsibilities at ATG which, since she co-founded it with Howard Panter in 1992, has become the country’s second largest theatre group. ATG now owns 24 theatres across the UK, with 11 in the West End. The company is also a prolific producer, with shows this year including Guys and Dolls, starring Ewan McGregor.
Squire has served on the SOLT management board since 2000, is a board member of the Donmar Warehouse, Dance Umbrella and Stage One (formerly the Theatre Investment Fund), and was a member of the Arts Council Capital Advisory Panel from 2000 to 2005. Prior to ATG, she acted as general manager for first the Maybox Group and then the Turnstyle Group, while her own production credits included Carmen Jones.
Speaking today, Squire explained what she intends to focus on during her presidency: “The long-term future of London’s historic theatre buildings tops the agenda and with my background in commercial and subsidised theatre, as well as public service, I will build on the initiatives to deliver vital partnership funding.”
Previous SOLT research indicates that upwards of £90 million is needed for urgent repairs and improvements to the West End’s 40-odd theatres, many of which are listed Victorian buildings (See The Goss, 7 Nov 2002). Since, Cameron Mackintosh aside, is prohibitively expensive for most owners, sources of outside investment are considered to be key.
Squire was running for the SOLT presidency against independent producer Paul Elliott and Julius Green from Bill Kenwright Ltd. SOLT chief executive Richard Pulford described the election, in which all members were entitled to vote, as “keenly contested”.
- by Terri Paddock
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