2 September 2015
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Today, at the 56th AGM of Cork Opera House, the Chairman and Board of Directors presented the Annual Report and audited statements of the company for the financial year ending March 2015.
Speaking at the AGM today, Chairman Damian Wallace outlined how Cork Opera House has continued to build on the strong financial performances over the past few years and for the third consecutive year is delighted to be reporting a profit. Mr Wallace set out the figures for the financial year; reporting a profit €267,070 achieved though 353 performances and a patronage of 189,381 people coming through the doors of Cork Opera House.
Speaking about the success, Mr Wallace said that “the most significant achievement in recent years has been securing the balance between artistic and commercial work allowing us to cater for the broad and diverse needs of our audience while still achieving financial success, which ensures we can continue doing what we do so well – entertain our audiences with the very best performances”.
Continuing, Mr Wallace said, “We are proud to be reporting proven, sustainable and consistent results. This happens through a strategy of programme development and understanding the needs of our audience along with a unique insight into the performance industry in Ireland”.
CEO Mary Hickson highlighted the importance of home-grown productions in Cork Opera House’s success: “Summer musicals and Christmas Panto are a huge part of what we do and who we are. Building on our legacy for high quality Cork productions has yielded great results both artistically and financially”.
Mary Hickson reported the key to success: “At the heart of everything we do is our audience, their needs are our needs and knowing what will bring them through the door is essential. Cork Opera House really has something for everyone. We would like to thank our patrons for their continued support which has had a direct impact on our success”.
Damian Wallace highlighted the supporters of Cork Opera House: “We are pleased to welcome New Ireland Assurance back as our title sponsor for this year’s Panto and delighted that they have signed up for a further 3 year partnership. I would also like to acknowledge the ongoing support of our key stakeholders, The Arts Council of Ireland, Cork City Council and Cork County Council. We are very lucky to have their continued financial support.”
Concluding, Mr Wallace stated, “This is a wonderful time for Cork Opera House as we celebrate 160 years of existence and look towards a bright future. I would also like to thank our CEO Mary Hickson for her contribution to the transformation of the company and wish her every success in her future endeavours”.
