A recruitment campaign for a new manager of Burnham-On-Sea’s Princess Theatre has got underway this week after the current manager stepped down.
Andy Pulleyn, pictured, is leaving the high-profile role to take on a new job as Marketing Manager at the Exeter Phoenix arts centre and to be nearer his partner on the south coast.
Princess Chairman Peter Burridge-Clayton told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Andy has done an excellent job during his time at the Princess and I can’t thank him enough for all the effort he has put in over the past two years. He has not only overseen all the refurbishments, but he has also taken the theatre and arts to a level we have never seen before in Burnham.”
“We are now booking some top acts and thanks to the sound foundation that Andy has created we will continue to do so. It is our intention to go onwards and upwards and continue to go from strength to strength. We have a fantastic team of volunteers and over 200 friends of the Princess now, who I hope will give the new manager their full support in the hand over period and on in to the future.”
“Andy will be leaving us in three weeks’ time, but he has agreed to come back one day a week until he has moved out of the area, and I will also be assisting as the duty manager on occasions to ensure a smooth handover with the new manager and assist our steward Craig with any duty roster pressures. I am sorry to see Andy go but I wish him all the very best for his future in Devon.”
Andy told Burnham-On-Sea.com he is sad to be leaving, adding: “I’m really proud of all the new and exciting things that are going on at The Princess. The Arts Lounge has been a fantastic success and will continue to grow as a gallery and café where local artists can exhibit their work.”
“Programmed events, a box office, the Creative Club, the Artisan Association, Yarn Over, BOSH Youth Theatre and the Playwright Group are all successful arts groups that are enriching the community. We’ve increased hire, improved the facilities and reduced the deficit. There is still lots and lots to do and I passionately believe that over time The Princess can become a vital asset to Burnham and Highbridge.”
“On a personal note I’m incredibly grateful to everyone I work with who have supported me in this role. The Princess Management Committee have always been open to ideas and in particular Pauline Pollard and Peter Burridge-Clayton have been fantastically generous in also volunteering their time and skills to help the building run effectively.”
“All of the staff at the Town Council have been wonderful to work with and provided great support despite the extra work The Princess has brought them. Most importantly has been the work of the volunteers who have given their time, effort and skills in order to make all of what we have achieved so far possible. Their enthusiasm, commitment and hard work has been humbling to witness and I know that The Princess can only grow and become stronger while there are people around like them.”
“I will be very sad to leave the Princess Theatre and Arts Centre – I have loved my time here and it will always have a place in my heart.”
The Town Council – which runs the theatre – will be advertising for a new manager shortly with a closing date for applications of May 31st.
