Merseyside theatre operator buys venue from Trust

Regal Entertainments, the operator of St Helens Theatre Royal for 22 years, has taken over its ownership.

The Theatre Royal Charitable Trust handed over the deed for an undisclosed fee.

Mother and daughter team Jane Joseph, the theatre's Creative Director, and Chantelle Nolan, who is its General Manager, took over the venue's tenancy in 1999. The change in ownership means they will be entirely responsible for the building, first opened in 1901.

Regal Entertainments launched a new membership scheme in July 2020 that has provided a new and much needed income stream during lockdown.

It staged a socially distanced pantomime during December before live performances were shut down again.

The trust will remain active to fundraise for the St Helens Theatre Royal and develop arts in the Merseyside community.