Proposals by the Royal Opera House (ROH) to develop a new national producing theatre for opera and ballet at Manchester’s Palace Theatre, in partnership with Manchester City Council (MCC), will come under scrutiny by Arts Council England (ACE) by means of an independent evaluation. In a decision involving Culture Secretary, Andy Burnham, ROH Chief Executive, Tony Hall, and MCC’s Chief Executive, Sir Howard Bernstein, and Leader, Sir Richard Leese, independent consultant, Graham Marchant, has been commissioned to conduct the study. The project aims to provide high quality opera and ballet, and also to create a national centre for the development of artistic, technical and administrative skills. The evaluation will examine the potential for expanding opera and dance provision in the North West, the possibility of developing new audiences and the provision of training. In the light of concerns expressed by nearby large-scale arts organisations, particularly the Lowry in Salford, the evaluator will also assess the project’s possible impact on organisations producing opera and ballet in the region, and those touring to the north of England and across the country. Sir Richard Leese said that the plans “would bring significant economic benefit to the city by attracting new visitors and creating several hundred new jobs for local people”. ACE Chief Executive, Alan Davey, said, “This is a bold idea and one of real national significance, which is why it is vital that we test it thoroughly.”
