Almeida Theatre Company and Aspen Announce Three Year Partnership

The Almeida Theatre Company and Aspen today (23 May 2011) are delighted to announce a new three year partnership to start this Summer, building on the existing long term relationship between the two companies.

Aspen's relationship with the Almeida began in 2004 as production sponsors of Edward Albee's The Goat and has grown from there with support for the theatre's productions of Macbeth, There Came a Gypsy Riding, Period of Adjustment, The Homecoming, Parlour Song, Rope and most recently House of Games. From 2 July 2011 Aspen will become the Principal Partner of The Almeida Theatre.

Aspen's commitment to a three year Principal Partnership will ensure continued bold programming, artistic endeavour and risk taking. Equally as important, it will allow the theatre to keep ticket prices affordable (with up to 40 seats sold each night for just £8). The partnership is unprecedented for the Almeida in that it also involves a commitment to support the theatre's education and community programme, Almeida Projects, as ‘Projects Underwriter'. The partnership will offer volunteering opportunities and staff nights alongside client entertaining, business development opportunities and brand association.

Under the Artistic Directorship of Michael Attenborough, The Almeida Theatre attracts some of the finest acting, writing, designing and directing talents and with the three year support of Aspen the theatre can continue to aspire to produce work of the highest quality and look to take its work to an even wider audience. In addition to their main stage work, the Almeida works with over 10,000 young people each year as well many from the local community. To achieve all this ambition the theatre has to now raise over £1.2 million annually which, along with ticket sales and a reduced Arts Council grant, contributes to the £3.9 million turnover required to run the Company.

Aspen, established in 2002, is a leading specialty insurance and reinsurance company with over 670 employees in eight countries. In 2010 the Aspen Group reported gross written premiums of $2,077 million, net income of $313 million and total assets of $8.8 billion. Aspen is a diversified, well capitalised and strongly rated company, which seeks to provide thoughtful and carefully tailored underwriting solutions for its clients in select, typically high value-added markets. The Group's progress is built on the ability to identify and respond swiftly to emerging opportunities and to operate across a wide range of geographies and specialist business lines.
www.aspen.bm

The Almeida Theatre, a 325 seat theatre in the heart of Islington, London, produces a diverse range of British and international drama, as well as an annual festival and a year round programme of events, workshops and productions under the banner of Almeida Projects, the theatre's education and
community programme. With tickets ranging from £8 - £32 and many concessions available, the Almeida's access policy ensures regular assisted performances throughout the year. As well as free wi-fi, the theatre's cafe and bar provides a large selection of food and drinks throughout the day. www.almeida.co.uk

Michael Attenborough, Artistic Director of The Almeida Theatre, said: "In the current climate, Aspen's commitment to our progressive, cutting-edge programme and our social and educational role within the local community is a wonderful, enlightened expression of support for our work and a ringing endorsement of everything that the Almeida stands for."

Christopher Rodrigues, Chair of the Almeida Board of Trustees commented "The Aspen Principal Partnership is of course timely from a financial perspective, but what excites us more is Aspen's proven commitment to the ethos of our theatre and to Michael Attenborough's vision of a house committed to innovative work of the highest quality. Aspen is a kindred spirit and that bodes extraordinarily well for the future".

Karen Green, CEO, Aspen UK, said: "Aspen has been an admirer and supporter of The Almeida Theatre for eight years. As a local theatre with tremendous international outreach, we are very proud to work with The Almeida Theatre in delivering its innovative programme of work as Principal Partner and in fulfilling a vibrant role in the local community through Almeida Projects, in particular at this difficult time for the Arts. We look forward to The Almeida Theatre's continued success in bringing new perspectives to the theatre."

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