Royal & Derngate have announced that local fine jewellers Michael Jones Jeweller will be sponsoring the theatre’s new VIP lounge from September this year.
The recently refurbished space, currently known as The Green Room, will be renamed the Michael Jones Jeweller VIP Lounge, and will be available for customers to use pre-show and at the interval for selected performances as part of premium packages, as well as being available for event hire, and for afternoon tea packages in the festive season. Michael Jones Jeweller will also use the space for co-operative events and other business activities.
This marks a further extension of Michael Jones Jeweller’s support for the venue, having been the primary sponsor for Royal & Derngate’s Made in Northampton productions for the last nine years, as well as being an established Business Club partner. These Made in Northampton shows have brought the theatre national recognition, with productions such as The Pope which subsequently inspired a major film and the Olivier Award-winning The Worst Witch. This autumn’s productions include the world premiere of Once Upon a Time in Sokoto, a co-production of Othello and a brand new adaptation of the popular children’s book What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas.
This ongoing investment by Michael Jones Jeweller reflects the importance of local business partners in helping Royal & Derngate to cement its place at the heart of Northampton and to maintain its position as the premiere arts venue for the local community.
Royal & Derngate’s Acting CEO Holly Gladwell commented: “We are hugely grateful to Michael Jones Jeweller for their support over the years and for their latest venture in putting their name behind our new VIP lounge. In these challenging times, ticket sales and grant funding provide an essential foundation, but they do not fully cover the breadth of activity that we strive to deliver. The support of local businesses like Michael Jones Jeweller is therefore invaluable in helping us continue to serve the community as a thriving venue, producing our own brand-new theatre, presenting a diverse range of touring shows and working with young people and schools.”
Robert White of Michael Jones Jeweller added: “We at Michael Jones Jeweller are delighted to sponsor the new VIP Lounge at Royal & Derngate, with whom we have enjoyed a long-standing relationship. It is a hugely important cultural hub for Northamptonshire and beyond. The VIP Lounge will enhance the theatre, concert and live entertainment experience for everyone who uses it. Our whole community benefits from the additional support provided by Royal & Derngate’s business partners, and we are proud to play our part in supporting this fantastic venue.”
Any companies wishing to find out more about the ways that businesses can support the theatre should email the Development Team at development@royalandderngate.co.uk.
For more information, visit the Michael Jones Jeweller website.
