Theatre duo to make Eastbourne's 'jewels' shine

Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire said they were "delighted" to partner with the council

Three theatres described as "jewels in the crown of south-east entertainment" are to be managed by a global entertainment company.

Trafalgar Entertainment has entered into a partnership with Eastbourne Borough Council to run the town's Congress Theatre, Devonshire Park Theatre and the Winter Garden, as well as conferencing and exhibition facilities at the Devonshire Quarter Complex.

The council's leader, Stephen Holt, said the company had "a superb track record" and added: "The deal achieves key operational and financial objectives and ensures these jewels in the crown... will continue to delight audiences for years to come."

Trafalgar said it would "protect these wonderful venues".

But opposition leader Robert Smart called for "complete transparency" about the deal, while adding the company "could bring much-needed expertise".

"Eastbourne residents deserve complete transparency about how this deal will allow the Council to pay back the over £60 million borrowed for the recent redevelopment carried out at the Devonshire Quarter Complex," said Mr Smart.

"The administration has been remarkably silent on the financial details of this arrangement."

Trafalgar Entertainment was founded by Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire in 2017. They said they were "delighted" to join forces with the council and "passionately believe that local audiences outside London deserve the very best".

"Through Trafalgar's unique model, Eastbourne audiences are assured that the best shows and events will be brought to Eastbourne alongside major new productions premiering here," they added.