Greenwich Theatre Wins Best Small Business Award

Another prestigious award has been landed by Greenwich Theatre, but this time it's not linked to a show but rather acknowledges the theatre's offstage business acumen.

The theatre on Crooms Hill won the coveted Small Business Award at The Wharf newspaper's annual innovations celebration.

"We were delighted even to be shortlisted, so you can imagine how proud we are to have won" said jubilant James Haddrell, the theatre's artistic and executive director. "What's vital for us is that we are being recognized in this context at the start of an incredibly exciting new era for the theatre.

"Over the years we have picked up numerous artistic awards which we are very proud of, but this is special because it highlights our business successes at a time when theatres all over the country are struggling because of funding cuts.

"I think it's true to say that theatres and other artistic organisations are often considered separate, operating in a different sphere to corporate enterprises, particularly those arts organisations in the subsidised sector that are seen to rely on public funds. Well, this award is testament to the fact that theatres operate with the same challenges as any business, and that we are beating those challenges to ensure a thriving future for theatre in Greenwich."

The Wharf covers East London, surrounding Canary Wharf, so Greenwich Theatre was competing against some major corporate opposition. "This award demonstrates that we are operating with the same kind of financial rigour as our colleagues in other fields, and it's so satisfying for us to be recognised at this level," said James.

"The judges acknowledged that ours was not the conventional kind of entry they receive because of the style and nature of our business. But they could still see that we have taken control of and nearly eradicated a huge historical debt and have established a positive model for the future.

"When we mentor young theatre companies, which is very much what we are all about, we have to advise them on practical commercial sense as well as artistic values because we know it is so easy for them to fall by the wayside without it.

"It also shows that to be a commercially viable theatre you don't have to resort to a series of stand-up comedians or tribute bands. They all have their place but our ethos is primarily to celebrate new writing and exciting, experimental theatre."

Since the current team took over Greenwich Theatre, artistic and executive director James Haddrell and commercial director Simon Francis have reinvented the business entirely. Where previously 60% of the £1.3million annual turnover came from grant income, that figure has now dropped to an astonishing 10%, with the theatre earning the vast majority of its income from ticket sales, venue hire and ancillary sales income.

The award comes at a time of major change for the theatre. Following a summer closure to allow RoyAl Greenwich to make major repairs to the building's roof and electrical installation, the venue has now reopened with a second performance space, a flexible 70 seat studio that has already enjoyed a number of sell-out performances.

"As well as the improvements to the building that have taken place, this period of relaunch is about ensuring the stabilisation of the business and the future of the theatre. There's no better way of showing that than through this award. I'm proud of everyone involved."

For more information, visit www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

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