Accountancy & Banking
Becca Moore (left) of Play to the Crowd and Dean Weale of Azets.
Published: January 7, 2025 | Updated: 7th January 2025
Accountancy firm Azets has extended its corporate backing of Play to the Crowd, the charity behind Theatre Royal Winchester, for another year.
The arts and education charity is responsible for the Outdoor Arts festival Hat Fair and Playmakers – a range of community programmes, including a vibrant youth theatre.
It also runs the theatre and its Edwardian-style, 400-seat auditorium in the centre of the city.
Dean Weale, a partner at Azets’ Winchester office, said: “We’re at the very heart of the Winchester business community, and Theatre Royal is the premier arts venue in the city.
“We’re pleased to support this forward-looking charity which plays such a large role in the life of our colleagues and clients, so it was an easy decision to sign on the line for continued sponsorship in the form of corporate membership.
“Not only are we able to give something back to the city we serve, but also help raise awareness of the excellent work the charity carries out in our city to benefit so many people.”
“Play to the Crowd is part of the fabric of the city and we’re gratified to be able to play a small part in its leadership role in cultural development and partnerships in Winchester, across Hampshire and beyond.”
Azets will be attending networking events at the venue, have the company name acknowledged in brochures and on digital foyer screens, and also appear in programmes.
Becca Moore, fundraising manager for Play to the Crowd, added: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Azets is continuing its amazing support for Play to the Crowd.
“As a charity, we exist to delight and unite people through the power of live performance.
“Every single donation helps spark creativity in young people, connect isolated communities, nurture artists and boost confidence, self-esteem and joy in everyone who engages with us at Theatre Royal Winchester and Hat Fair.
“Right now, with public funding under huge pressure and people facing tough financial choices, it’s incredible to see a major firm like Azets championing the creative sector.
“Their advocacy shows just how vital arts and culture are – not just as something nice to have, but as a force that drives community, wellbeing and the local economy.
“Play to the Crowd’s corporate members are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re so excited to have the brilliant team at Azets on board as part of our journey.”
Theatre Royal Winchester began life as the Market Hotel in 1850, was converted to a theatre in 1912 and then turned into a cinema in 1922.
It’s since seen many changes of ownership and survived a closure threat in the late 1970s, undergoing a major refurbishment at the turn of the century before being taken over by Play to the Crowd.
The new season at Theatre Royal is headed by Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris McCausland, comedy-drama Dial M For Mayhem, comedians Harry Hill, Ed Byrne, Jenny Éclair and Maisie Adam, jazz singer Claire Teal and Julia Donaldson’s Room on the Broom.
There’s also author Kate Mosse, folk bands Ciderhouse Rebellion and The Fureys, dance from Jasmin Vardimon Company, the improvised musical Showstopper and a host of National Theatre Live screenings.
