The 2026 Annual General Meeting

Matthew Ibbotson chaired the meeting

Jude Chalf delivered the Trustee's Report

Once again the Company came together for its annual, formal review of the past year and a look ahead to plans for the future.

Jude Chalk, the retiring Chair of the Company's Board, opened with an explanation of the roles of the Board, the Management Committee, and the various groups that work with them to manage all the Company's activities. She was followed by Abby-Lee Spicer who had prepared the Company's annual report and accounts. The Company remains in a strong financial position; once again there was an increase in box office attendance, the tours to the Minack Theatre and to the Brighton Open-Air Theatre generated significant income and income from bar sales was also higher.

Abby-Lee Widger summarised the accounts

Stephen Ley explains the work of the Building Group

David Taylor and Stephen Ley gave an overview of the work of the Building Group, the main focus in the past year being the creration of the new rehearsal room above the existing dressing room. Huge thanks were expressed to Nick Insley for his major role in the management of this project.

Amanda Waggott delivers her report on last year's plays and announces plans for 2027

Jude thanks Amanda for her work over the past three years

Artistic Director, Amanda Waggott, announced the 2027 Summer Season of plays; in addition to the usual plays to be performed in our theatre, we will once again taking a play on tour to the Brighton Open-Air Theatre. Amanda's term of office comes to an end in December when Dom Ward will take over as Artistic Director.

Peter Westbury and Emily Carmichael select the winning numbers in the 200 Club draw.

Rob Ellis is presented with the Barbara Waddell award

Eduardo Pelegrinello, Christiane Rakoto, Ann Watchorn and Janie Goheenn were elected to the Board, and Harry Reeder, As Richards, Azul Alysum, Colette Dockery, Michael Alexander and Juliet Webster to the Management Committee.

Awards were given out : the Barbara Waddell Award - for a significant contribution to the Comapany over a number of years - was presented to Rob Ellis. The Frank Smith Award - which is given to a member of less than 3 years standing who has made a contribution to the company in a variety of roles - was awarded to Sorrel Brown.

The annual winners of the 200 Club prizes were also announced.