Theatre Royal changes management hands

Co-owners of Sydney's Theatre Royal, part of Sydney's MLC Centre, have handed on lease and management to Ambassador Theatre Group.

ATG will now manage the large-scale refurbishment of the 1,100 seat theatre instead of co-owners QIC and The GPT Group .

GPT Chief Investment Officer Carmel Hourigan said the announcement of a new theatre operator is another important step in transformation.

"The MLC Centre would benefit greatly from partnering with one of the world’s top live theatre companies… it will become home to a new world class theatre and ATG has a strong track record of delivering premium productions,” Ms Hourigan said.

ATG are known for productions such as Legally Bonde the Musical, The Rocky Horror Show, Thriller Live, Guys and Dolls and West Side Story.

Founder Sir Howard Panter said ATG will work with MLC Centre co-owners on a major refurbishment of the theatre to improve its facilities and create a premium experience for theatre patrons.

“For ATG this heralds the dawn of its venue management operations in Asia Pacific, a region that will play a major part in our international expansion plan,” said Sir Panter.