Memories are best shared

Paula has been a trustee for MTT in various roles for 13 years and Mike joined the MAL board just over a year ago.

Both chairs have a history with Mayflower as Paula picks up, “I was born in Southampton and Mayflower Theatre (and Gaumont!) has long featured, so this is a way of ‘giving back’ to my community.

A chance meeting made me aware of an opportunity to interview for the MTT board, and given my financial career and music-based hobbies, Mayflower Theatre’s board seemed a perfect combination of business and pleasure.” Mike adds, “I admired the impact the Mayflower Theatre had on the local community and wanted to be a member of the team. Once I had found out more about MAST and the experience it offered new audiences, I realised the tremendous opportunity it represented.”

Paula continued, “Most know Mayflower Theatre as one of the UK’s leading regional theatres which provides ‘inspiring experiences’. Many thousands will have experienced first-hand its fantastic community work, particularly young people from all backgrounds.” Mayflower venues are special places as Mike says, “We care about the experience our patrons have from the moment they enter the venue until they leave. We work hard to provide a whole spectrum of quality entertainment. There is always something to look forward to no matter what your interests.”

Whilst the venues provide these amazing experiences, Paula added,

Fewer people know Mayflower Theatre is a charity underpinned by an extremely well-run and governed business. Led by an excellent Chief Executive, talented executive team and board of experienced, professional volunteers.

When quizzed on their favourite shows seen at our venues, Paula remarked “Any of our outstanding and inspiring youth productions, which have incidentally also launched professional careers from our local community.” And giving away a hidden talent from a previous life, Mike added, “This is a really difficult question to answer – there have been so many! Firstly at Mayflower Theatre and latterly at MAST. I am going to pick a recent experience at MAST.

In the dim and distant past I used to be a DJ playing Northern Soul Music at some of the well known venues. When I saw that the Northern Soul Orchestra were appearing and going to play all the dancefloor classics it was too good to miss. I was not disappointed, what a great night that was and it just illustrates that there is always something to enjoy at Mayflower venues.”