The financial performance of the Villa Marina & Gaiety Theatre complex was under budget for the fifth successive year in 2014/15 helped by ?2.2million of ticket sales and total attendances of more than 200,000 people, exceeding the target for the year.
 
David Cretney MLC, the Department of Economic Development’s Political Member with responsibility for the Villa Gaiety complex said:
 
‘Over the past year we have aimed to offer a wide range of entertainment at both venues that appeals to different age groups and the diverse tastes of our residents and visitors.
 
‘I am delighted that the Villa Gaiety’s financial performance has come in under budget yet again and I would like to pay credit to the staff at the Villa Gaiety complex for their hard work and dedication over the past year.’
 
In the last 12 months the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre have played host to a diverse range of hugely popular events. Musical acts such as the Human League, John Newman and Paul Weller (both nights) were sold out and well-known comedians such as Lee Evans and John Bishop also played to full houses.
 
The Pokerstars IPT event and the Isle of the Darts Festival also increased their attendances compared to 2013 and the Villa Marina Gardens hosted the highly successful Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival and the Senior Race TT Prize Presentations.
 
As well as public events the Villa Marina hosted the British Irish Council Conference, the Walking Festival, Isle of Man Aviation Conference, the Manx State of the Nation Conference, as well as various award ceremonies, weddings, dinners and corporate events.
 
The Gaiety Theatre also enjoyed a packed year hosting popular musicals such as Sunset Boulevard and The Full Monty, as well as the popular annual Pantomime which was enjoyed by over 9,000 people.

Mr Cretney continued:
 
‘The past 12 months has demonstrated the vital role that the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre play in enhancing the quality of life for residents on the Isle of Man, supporting local businesses, engaging with local community groups and in generating inward investment by attracting people to the Island for events such as the live poker tournament and Isle of Man Aviation Conference.’