Today producers and theatre managers have the chance to meet with and interrogate the Ambassador Theatre Group about what it plans to do with its new theatres that were purchased when the company bought 16 venues from Live Nation UK.
The purchase has brought concern among the theatre community that the Ambassador Group now has a monopoly of the touring circuit for shows that go on the road.
In order to meet the concerns, the Theatrical Management Association Winter Event will have a session in which TMA members can question the executive director of ATG, Michael Lynas. Additionally, Lynas will also host a small presentation that will entail the plans of the company.
Council member of the TMA, James Woods, stated that he was delighted that Lynas will answer questions and address concerns, stating that he believes that many people are fearful about the amount of power that the group will now hold, when it comes to making deals and where shows play.
Woods also stated that there may also be a positive side to the switch in power, making it easier to book a tour in “one stop” although this will cut down in the amount of competition, which will end up hurting producers in the long run.
Meanwhile, although the sale was finalized last month it is currently being challenged in the US court system by Key Brand Entertainment, which purchased the US theatres for sale by Live Nation. According to the group, Live Nation violated its terms of sale agreement when it sold the British theatres to KBE’s rival ATG.
At the moment, neither company, nor Live Nation, will comment on the situation, but since the claim is in the US court system the final verdict is not expected to hold any sway over the UK purchase.
