BBC Documentary Series ON STAGE to Feature the Curve Tonight

Curve takes centre stage this evening in a major new BBC documentary series. The half hour programme, which airs tonight 9th November at 7.30pm on BBC One East Midlands, will run as part of BBC's ON STAGE - a special season of programmes that celebrates British theatre and particularly focuses on the success of some of the UK's key regional theatres.

The documentary goes behind the scenes to see how Curve has successfully implemented a business model that balances artistic credibility with commercial success, and follows a season which saw the theatre announce record breaking ticket sales, a surge in visitor numbers and an increase in turnover to £7.8m - Curve's highest figure since opening in 2008.

Curve's Chief Executive Officer Chris Stafford said, "We are delighted that Curve's reputation as a successful producing theatre is being highlighted with our inclusion in BBC's On Stage season. Curve is dedicated to commissioning, producing and programming exciting work which truly reflects our communities. This documentary goes behind the scenes to show, in some way, how we do it."

The one-off, half hour programme comes in a year that saw worldwide audiences witness a Curve production as part of the historic Service of Reveal and Celebration for King Richard III at Leicester Cathedral and the opening of Curve's first home commissioned and produced musical, Sue Townsend's The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 ¾ The Musical which enjoyed a fantastic audience response, critical acclaim and a huge amount of support throughout the region.

The documentary will see interviews with some of Curve's key personnel including Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, Commercial Director Alister De Ternant and former Chief Executive Fiona Allan alongside associate and visiting artists such as Jodie Prenger and Charlie Brooks. Viewers will also be treated to exclusive footage of the iconic building captured using the very latest drone camera technology.

The documentary is part of eleven others made by independent production companies for the BBC's wider On Stage season and has been tailored specifically for the BBC East Midlands region. The series looks at some of the country's most iconic provincial venues, in this ambitious look at British theatre across England.

Stuart Thomas, Head of BBC East Midlands said: "The films take an in depth look at the venues which play such a vital role in our communities and which rarely have the chance to step into the spotlight themselves. We wanted to follow the ups and downs of theatre life, hear their concerns for the future and ask questions of the people in power."

For more about Curve, visit www.curveonline.co.uk or follow on Twitter: @CurveLeicester.