THE GROVE THEATRE APPOINTS FIRST MANAGER

Leisure Connection, operators of South Bedfordshire District Council’s new Grove Theatre in Dunstable, has appointed Jo Ditch as its first General Manager. 

Jo (28) who is from nearby St Albans, will be responsible for the launch of The Grove Theatre and all theatre operations, staffing and main programming to include community involvement and a focus on cultural participation when it opens in Spring 2007.   

Jo brings with her years of management experience including the London theatre scene, where she was previously manager of Trafalgar Studios, formerly the Whitehall Theatre, off London’s Trafalgar Square and prior to that the Phoenix Theatre in London’s Charing Cross Road and the Empire Theatre in Liverpool.

Through the venues she has managed, Jo has been involved in internationally famous productions including Sweeny Todd, the RSC’s Othello, Simply Heavenly and Blood Brothers.

Jo said: "This is such an exciting opportunity for me.  It’s not often you get to launch a brand new theatre.   I will work very hard to ensure that The Grove Theatre gives the people of South Bedfordshire great shows including drama, dance, music, comedy, film and community arts performances.” 

Jo is currently appointing a senior management team to work with her and will soon begin working on developing a programme for the launch of the theatre and beyond.

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Press release issued: May 10 2006