The Board of The Mayflower Theatre announced today that Dennis Hall, their Chief Executive for the past 26 years has decided that he will be retiring from his post, effective from 31st October 2012. Dennis Hall said, “I have given the matter some considerable thought, and I feel that now is the right time to pass the baton on. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 26 years and I am exceedingly proud of all that has been achieved during my time at The Mayflower.”
Looking back over his tenure in charge of what is now one of the best regional theatres in the country, Dennis Hall recalls arriving in November 1985 at the then Gaumont, “It was very apparent that the Theatre was in a sorry state, and staff morale was low, which was not surprising as the current owners had been attempting to turn the place into a Bingo Hall”.
Following a 14 month closure period and a £4M refurbishment – the Gaumont was reborn as The Mayflower on the 24th February 1987. The immediate challenge for Dennis Hall was to capture the imagination of a public not used to Theatre. Dennis booked a comprehensive programme of entertainment, which gradually demonstrated the potential of the Theatre, and began to work the ‘Mayflower Magic’ for a growing and enthusiastic new audience. This strategy proved very successful.
Today, through the guidance and talent of Dennis Hall, The Mayflower is regarded as one of the finest provincial theatres in the UK. Dennis added, “From the onset, our priority has always been to provide the very best of the industry’s touring productions, and I believe that this has been achieved. We have succeeded in our aspiration to stage world class Musicals, Ballet, Opera, and Drama. We have catered for a vast range of taste in our offering of Plays, Comedy Acts, Singers & Bands, both Rock & Pop, with artistes from the whole spectrum of the entertainment world”.
Dennis continued, ”My personal highlights would include the three Royal visits over the years from Prince Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward; the experience of being the first provincial theatre to invest in a West End production - Buddy, and the staging of three of the UK’s biggest touring productions – The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I have worked with Britain’s best producers - Cameron Mackintosh, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Bill Kenwright, Paul Elliott, David Pugh, David Ian and Michael Rose to name but a few of the many who have supported The Mayflower over the years with their remarkable productions.
I must acknowledge my incomparable management team and staff, without whom none of the success achieved at The Mayflower would have been possible. I offer grateful thanks for the amazing support I have received over the years. Finally, to the Mayflower Theatre Trust Chairman and Board, who I have had the pleasure of working with throughout this incredible journey, thank you for your guidance and support. I have had a ball!”
Isobel Gatward, Chairman of the Mayflower Theatre Trust said, “Southampton must be very proud of the Mayflower Theatre, which has been led through its early birth pangs to its current established success by Dennis Hall. The vision of creating a Theatre of quality for Southampton was a tremendous challenge in 1985. Many in the community believed it could become a reality, and the choice of Dennis Hall as Chief Executive was to prove inspirational. Dennis Hall’s background and experience in the Bournemouth Theatre world of the time was to be crucial to the Mayflower’s success.
Dennis’ extensive knowledge of variety and musical acts, coupled with an ability to deftly judge the choice of productions, sensing exactly what would work for audiences in the South, delivered the right mix of programme to a rapidly growing audience. Through his straight dealing approach to the Business, and his easy rapport with producers Dennis quickly established The Mayflower’s reputation as a great Touring Venue, if not the best of the few Theatres left of such a size. This has been an enormous achievement. I am very proud to have chaired the Mayflower Theatre Trust Board during this period, and to have worked with Dennis Hall and his well cast team.
Dennis was in exactly the right place at the right time for this challenge. His talents have brought The Mayflower to worldwide attention. The current level of success, and the acknowledgement throughout the Business of delivering ‘starry’ quality product with style and consistency, has put The Mayflower where it is today. Thank you Dennis and congratulations. Enjoy your retirement”.