Lowther boss quits

Roger McCann has quit as general manager of Lytham's Lowther Pavilion - and the venue's trustees insist there will be no rush to replace him.
Roger McCann, who is quitting as manager of Lowther PavilionRoger McCann, who is quitting as manager of Lowther Pavilion
Roger McCann, who is quitting as manager of Lowther Pavilion

The Lowther Trust board of management, under chairman Tim Lince, is to take care of everyday matters at the Lytham theatre as it shapes up for major refurbishment work ahead of its centenary in five years’ time.

Roger, who had been general manager since November 2014, intends to revert to working with Arts Council England, with which he was associated for four years before moving back into training and consultancy.

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Roger, who leaves tomorrow, said: “I feel the time is right for me to return to Arts Council work.

“It has been an exciting time (at Lowther) with plans for the long-term development of the building and a major fund-raising campaign progressing alongside the expansion of the theatre programme.

“I would like to thank all those who have made my time here so interesting, particularly the Friends of Lowther Pavilion, who work tirelessly to support the theatre; those who have contributed to the Love Lowther appeal, who will begin to see the fruits of their endeavours this summer; the Arts Partnership for Fylde, who have begun to show what can be achieved through collaboration; and the audiences who have put their trust in me and enjoyed the ride.”

The Lowther Pavilion Trust said: “The Trustees were sorry to hear that Roger wished to leave the organisation and we would like to wish him well with his future plans.

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“We would also like to thank him for the last two years of work and the help and support he has given the Trust in developing the refurbishment proposals and programming.

“This however is an exciting time for the staff and Trustees as we embark on the first phase of the redevelopment programme which will see replacement seating and a brand new roof installed.

“Once the building work is completed the Trust will look at how it wishes to move forward with the management of the facility.”

A new roof and new seating at the West Beach venue is set to be installed in the coming weeks, while proposals for a new-look foyer as the first of an intended three-phase refurbishment programme are set to be put forward for planning permission shortly.