Mayflower Academy Limited (MAL) trading as Mayflower Studios, will formally merge with Mayflower Theatre Trust (MTT) on 30 March 2026. This follows an independent governance review conducted in 2025, which recommended that the two organisations be brought together under a single structure.
Over the past five years, Mayflower Studios has continued to develop, grow, and strengthen its role at the heart of our region’s cultural life. It plays a vital part in supporting Mayflower Theatre Trust’s social impact work and is operated by the same executive team. All staff across both venues are already employed by Mayflower Theatre Trust, ensuring continuity and unified leadership.
We are pleased to confirm that Arts Council England will novate the current funding agreement from MAL to MTT. Southampton City Council has also recognised that this merger will provide an additional layer of long‑term security for Mayflower Studios.
Nick Vaughan, Chair of the Mayflower Theatre Trust, said:
“Mayflower Theatre and Mayflower Studios, under ‘Mayflower’ as an organisation, have effectively been operating as one. This governance change will strengthen the organisation for the future, providing greater opportunities for members of our communities to experience the very best that the performing arts has to offer”.
Mike Wright, Chair of Mayflower Academy Limited, added:
“The merger presents an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate our reach and our ongoing development in strengthening and growing the arts within local communities.”
The merger marks an important step in ensuring a resilient, sustainable future for both venues and the communities they serve.
You may also be interested in
