ATG Entertainment has been confirmed as the operator of Stoke-on-Trent’s Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall following a decision by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
The move secures the future management of two of the city’s best-known cultural venues, which attract thousands of visitors each year for theatre, music, comedy and other live events.
ATG Entertainment has managed both venues for almost 30 years, but the company’s contracts with the city council, which owns the venues, was set to come to an end in September 2026.
The council said the decision reflected confidence in ATG Entertainment’s track record of operating the venues and a shared commitment to maintaining and developing Stoke-on-Trent’s cultural offer.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council and cabinet member for strategy, economic development, culture and sport, said: “The Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall are two of Stoke-on-Trent’s most important cultural assets, bringing people into the city centre and providing residents and visitors with access to a fantastic programme of live entertainment.
“We are pleased to be moving forward with ATGE as operator, and look forward to continuing to work together to protect and strengthen these much-loved venues for the future. This is about ensuring our city has a sustainable, ambitious and high-quality cultural offer that supports our communities, our city centre and the wider visitor economy.”
The Regent Theatre opened in 1929 and, following a major redevelopment, reopened in 1999. Victoria Hall, built in 1888, remains one of the region’s leading venues for live entertainment.
Cheryl Taylor, theatre director of the Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall, said: “For many of the team here, these iconic venues are more than just places to work – we consider them our home.
“I am thrilled that ATGE has been confirmed as the operator, allowing us to continue doing the work we love. This is a brilliant opportunity to further embed ourselves in Stoke-on-Trent’s cultural landscape and provide our wonderful communities with the very best live entertainment.”
Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s cabinet discussed plans for the two venues at a Cabinet meeting in January 2025, where they hoped to remove a £280,000 a year subsidy – in line with a previous year’s budget savings proposal – when the existing contract ended in September 2026.
The city council has told Daily Focus that the new arrangement does not require a subsidy as ATG Entertainment has agree a long-term lease for both venues.
