THE curtain is about to rise on a new era for the Theatre Royal.

For, from September 1, 1999 the Theatre Royal (St Helens Trust) will assume direct responsibility for the management and operation of the Corporation Street theatre.

Gerry Henebery, chairman of the Theatre Royal (St Helens Trust) said: "This is an interim arrangement to enable the Trust to put into place permanent plans to secure the long-term future of the Theatre Royal. However, we are still looking for interested parties to run the theatre in the future.

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