Albery leaves Sadler's Wells By TONY THORNCROFT and LISA WOOD in The Financial Times
Ian Albery is leaving Sadler's Wells, the Islington theatre, which under his management has become London's much-needed home of dance. He joined the Wells as chief executive in 1994, when it had a Pounds 400,000 deficit and lacked a role and a future. It survived on a subsidy of Pounds 100,000 a year.
His leaving gift is the successful negotiation with the London Arts Board of a rising grant, which will total Pounds 1.5m in 2003-4, safeguarding the future of Sadler's Wells. But 90 per cent of its Pounds 10m annual income still comes through the box office and commercial activities.
click for more Stuart adds: Sadler's Wells has been successful dance receiving house for a long time. But, since the re-opening of the new theatre three years ago it has gone from strength to strength, culminating in the appearance of Mark Morris Dance Group and Ballett Frankfurt in the past month. Comgratulations to Ian Albery who has steered Sadler's through some stormy waters.
<small>[ 27 March 2004, 02:34 AM: Message edited by: Stuart Sweeney ]</small>