ST HELEN’S Theatre is under new ownership, being taken over by mother-daughter team Jane Joseph and Chantelle Nolan.
The pair own Regal Entertainments, which has managed the day-to-day running of the Corporation Street venue for 22 years. They have now taken over ownership from the Theatre Royal Charitable Trust for an undisclosed fee.
Creative Director Jane and Director and Theatre General Manager Chantelle took over tenancy of the St Helens playhouse in 1999, working in partnership with the Theatre Royal Charitable Trust which had owned the venue freehold since 1986 until the sale.
For more than two decades, Jane and Chantelle have strengthened and continued to build the theatre’s professional reputation and standing within the industry, going on to attract household names and national touring shows each season. They also produce all the venue’s in-house productions, which includes three seasonal pantos directed by Chantelle and a stage play each year.
Jane Joseph commented: “St Helens Theatre Royal is a very special place for the Regal Entertainments team, myself, Chantelle, and our families. It’s a hub of colour, singing, laughter and life, and it holds a very dear place in our hearts. We’ve successfully steered the theatre on a path of adventure and rediscovery for the past 22 years and we’re extremely excited for this new chapter. We’d like to thank the Theatre Royal Charitable Trust and Friends of the Theatre for their ongoing support and look forward to everything we can achieve together in the future.”
Chantelle Nolan added: “We are delighted to become the new owners of St Helens Theatre Royal. During our time managing the theatre we have always reinvested any profits back into the venue, and this will remain the case.”
The theatre purchase now means that Regal Entertainments is now entirely responsible for the building, interior and exterior. The Theatre Royal Charitable Trust will remain active and continue to fundraise for the building and develop arts in the community.
