Southampton Mayflower Theatre boss Michael Ockwell on expansion

But after nearly one hundred years, and as the theatre’s ambitions grow, the theatre wants a space that can grow with it.

Southampton Forward, along with the Daily Echo sat down with Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive and Creative Director of the theatre to talk about its future plans.

Mayflower Theatre plans. (Image: Mayflower)

Michael said: “We’re looking to create a modern rehearsal space, one that can adequately fit and house the incredible touring companies and wonderful performers that come to the Theatre.

"When this Art Deco marvel was designed, one tradition from earlier eras continued: facilities for performers were not prioritised. Instead, the emphasis was on theatregoers’ experience and, naturally enough, accommodating as many theatre-goers as possible.

"These days we know so much more about what makes good theatre and that includes happy, comfortable and well-rehearsed performers.

"We want to reach out to communities and include them in what we do, which means education and accessibility are key.

"And we need facilities that will accommodate touring companies and big-name productions from both UK and overseas. But up and down the country, our theatres are struggling to keep up.”

Southampton is proud of Mayflower’s national and international reputation as a leading theatre.

The city remains the first stop for West End touring productions – and this is matched by the theatre’s drive towards delivering inspiring experiences for everyone.

CEO Michael Ockwell

Michael added: “Our planned multi-million-pound development will cover three floors, creating connections between the administration building and our Grade II listed theatre, in a dedicated studio space.

"It will also provide two fully accessible dressing rooms on stage level as part of our inclusivity agenda, making Mayflower accessible for all.”

As Mayflower Theatre approaches its 100th anniversary, it’s committed to continuing to stage the best in touring shows, dance, drama and opera.

Michael added: “Visiting companies need more space. The struggle is real.

"To give just one example, The Lion King’s first tour required a full cast change on-site, which meant Disney had to hire an external venue for eight weeks.

"And around 40 per cent of our programme requires facilities for warm-ups, rehearsals and band calls before the show, as well as costume fittings, scenery storage and prop repairs.

"I have been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from the arts community.”

The theatre reached out to the arts community for support, two of the many respondents were Birmingham Royal Ballet and Blue Apple Theatre Company.

Caroline Miller OBE, CEO of Birmingham Royal Ballet, said: “With Mayflower Theatre now established as our anchor staging and premier venue for our annual Spring Tour, the ability to take class and rehearse in a new double-height studio space would significantly improve the experience of our dancers and reduce the time and cost associated with travelling to and from an off-site venue.”

Richard Conlon, Artistic Director of Blue Apple Theatre Company for people with learning disabilities, is equally positive.

He said: “Any and every step towards making the cultural life of the city more diverse and some of the communities within it more visible is supported by Blue Apple.

"Real access is so much more than just ‘ramps’ and we will be happy to share whatever learning we have with Mayflower Theatre as they continue their journey towards a more accessible venue and programme.”

Michael added: “As we await the outcome of our planning application, we believe that being able to offer all this on-site, and much more, will help secure the future of Mayflower Theatre and MAST Mayflower Studios as leading UK performance venues for many years to come.”

If approved, the development is scheduled to commence in 2025. To find out more about the impact of Mayflower please visit: mayflower.org.uk/news/mayflower-development