Latest Deal Highlights National Law Firm’s Continued Support For The Arts

As arts venues prepare for their first performances following lockdown, the curtain has been raised on a new sponsorship agreement between a national law firm and a Manchester theatre.

Irwin Mitchell has announced it will be the corporate sponsor of Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre over the next 12 months, with the organisations working together on several projects as the arts and entertainment sector begins a staged return to a ‘new normal’.

Founded in 1976, this beautiful Grade II listed building in the centre of Manchester is now home to the largest ‘in-the-round’ theatre in the UK, welcoming the cream of the UK theatre land to the stage.

Vanessa Redgrave, Helen Mirren, Don Warrington, Maxine Peake and Robert Lindsay have all trod the boards; while the venue has a reputation for spotting and nurturing exciting new talent, with Hugh Grant and Kate Winslet both starring at the Royal Exchange long before their silver screen debuts.

With a Manchester office, plus a further 14 offices throughout the country, Irwin Mitchell remains an active supporter of the arts throughout the UK and recognised as a leading legal advisor to both the creative industries and digital sector.

This latest sponsorship deal follows the firm’s support for Chichester Theatre and the Leeds Playhouse.

Lorraine Jubb Development Lead at Royal Exchange Theatre, said: “After what has been an incredibly challenging time for everyone connected with the arts, we are delighted that Irwin Mitchell has joined us as one of our corporate sponsors for our 45^th year and are incredibly excited about working together.

“After an unprecedented year of disruption, sponsorship is more important than ever before as we prepare to reopen and welcome audiences back. Together, I’m sure we can plan an exciting programme of events for our communities throughout the year ahead, helping people to rediscover how important and exhilarating theatre can be.”

Laura Harper, Irwin Mitchell partner and media & entertainment sector lead, said: 

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“Irwin Mitchell has a proud tradition of supporting the arts at local and national level and it is a real pleasure to be supporting such an iconic and famous theatre here in Manchester.

“Our work to support the creative industries is an important part of the practice and so we are looking forward to working even more closely with businesses and professionals in the sector during this partnership with the theatre.”

“The Royal Exchange is one of the jewels in Manchester’s artistic crown and it means a lot to be playing a supporting role as the theatre makes its plans for an exciting future.

“In addition to the sponsorship, we will be looking to collaborate as much as we can and welcoming the theatre to get involved with our own webinars and podcasts. It will be a great collaboration and a real partnership and we can’t wait to get started.”
Laura Harper - Partner

Coming next at the Royal Exchange is Bloody Elle – A Gig Musical (23 June-17 July) and a one woman show about falling in love for the first time.