Kenwright still pulling crowds

BILL Kenwright’s theatre productions are still attracting “substantial” audiences despite the economic downturn.

The theatre impressario and Everton FC chairman produces shows through his company Bill Kenwright Ltd.

According to the most recent filed accounts at Companies House like-for-like pre-tax profit dropped from £1.3m to £578,000 on turnover of £28.8m, down 2.5%.

Mr Kenwright, the company’s only director, decided to forego a dividend payment. In the previous year the company paid out £560,000.

But his borrowing from the company increased dramatically from £28,000 to £988,000. The accounts also show that Bill Kenwright Ltd holds a 22% stake in Everton FC.

These figures cover the year to December 31, 2007, but the director’s report assesses the business’s fortunes in recent months.

The report said: “Despite worsening economic conditions in the second half of 2008 the quality of the group’s productions has continued to attract substantial audiences.

“The group is still performing strongly and is expected to report a healthy profit for 2008, and the director is confident that the group will continue to prosper throughout 2009 and beyond.”

During the period the company produced six shows in the West End and toured 11 including The Glass Menagerie, Treats, Vortex, The Unexpected Guest and Dr Dolittle. The company toured The Last Laugh in Japan and Whistle Down the Wind in the US.