Spring Season Success at the Riverfront, Newport

The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre in Newport is celebrating its most successful spring season ever! Average attendance was up, as was the number of people attending the cinema.

The total attendances at film and professional performances was up by 95 people compared to the venue’s previous best – The Riverfront’s highest for January to March since opening. The average attendance for professional performances also beat the previous high by 12%, taking figures over 200 for the first time. The intimate studio theatre is included in these figures and that has a maximum capacity of 128.

Included in the spring season was the very successful Charlie and Lola's Best Bestest Play, the first ever performance in Wales by BJM Danse; Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal, co-producing and presenting the premiere of Harnisch-Lacey Dance Theatre's SPIN; The Rat Pack sell-out and the visit of Punt and Dennis to Newport.

"Spring 2011 continues to show our commitment to a balanced programme with elements to appeal to all sectors of our community. The programme boasts family shows, classic music, a major international company, a street dance work produced in Cardiff and Newport, and well-known comedians” commented Nicolas Young, Theatre and Arts Director.

Not included in the figures are venue hires, where ticketed events also showed an increase on last year. Attendance at workshops was almost exactly the same as 2010, so overall the whole spectrum of activity at The Riverfront was positive despite the economic climate.

Coming up in the summer season, The Riverfront has almost sold-out shows of Rich Hall and Chas and Dave, even though the brochure hit the streets less than three weeks ago, so it is definitely worthwhile booking early to avoid disappointment! Tickets for all performances at The Riverfront are available from the Box Office on 01633 656757 or by visiting the website at www.newport.gov.uk/theriverfront