A THEATRE has launched a period of public consultation on its future, a week after it shelved plans to merge its management with another west Suffolk venue.

The chief executive of The Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds, Simon Daykin, said the board was keen to hear “as many views as possible” about every aspect of the Regency playhouse.

Last week the board said although it would not pursue a controversial single management operation with St Edmundsbury Borough Council-owned The Apex it hoped to forge closer collaboration in key areas – including a joint box office and a shared vision for arts in West Suffolk.

Mr Daykin said: “We know the Theatre Royal is valued and cherished by many people in this community and we’re committed to inviting and listening to their opinions as we move forward.

“We want to hear as many views as possible, not only concerning our new plans for partnership with The Apex, but on all aspects of our operations.” You can comment and see a summary of the theatre’s plans at www.artsandminds-tr.org.

A public meeting is due to be held at 7pm on February 12 at The Guildhall.