Curtain up on theatre boss

Gary Rodden is the youngest general manager in the Ambassador Theatre Group, which owns the Playhouse as well as some of the biggest venues in the country.

Despite being just 28, he has insisted he has the experience to make the job a success.

"I'm the youngest manager in the group, but I don't think that should make a difference as I've been working towards this for years," he said.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Mr Rodden was previously the general manager of the Bristol Hippodrome, the biggest regional theatre in the south-west of England with about 2000 seats.

Prior to that he ran a touring theatre group, bringing several productions to the Edinburgh Fringe, but, incredibly, he said he had never been inside the Playhouse before yesterday.

"We used to play much smaller venues when I came to the Fringe," he said.

"I was always aware of just how impressive the Playhouse was, though. I have seen plenty of pictures and heard all about it, although it was incredible going round today.

"We were out on the stage and I realised that, despite its size, this is a really personal venue, which I think will be fantastic to work with. There aren't many jobs where you will get to see so many people entertained."

He was given a guided tour of the building by outgoing general manager James Haworth, who is leaving to take on the new position as general manager at the King's and Theatre Royal in Glasgow.

Mr Haworth, who leaves after seven years in charge of the 3000-seat venue, said that after the Playhouse the only new challenge out there was running two theatres.

During his time at the Playhouse, Mr Haworth brought huge shows such as We Will Rock You, Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mamma Mia to the Capital.

It was one of the "smaller" shows that will remain a high-point, however, with Mr Haworth admitting 2008's Tom Waits concert, a two-night event which was the only venue the cult star played in the UK, will be one of his best memories.

"It sold out so quickly, despite the rather steep cost, and the security to stop ticket touts was crazy, but it was an amazing concert and a great night," he said.

"It was great to get the only UK performance. There were people asking 'why have we had to come here from London?' and it's nice to challenge the belief that London gets everything first."

Mr Rodden added: "I will be looking to continue to bring the biggest shows and the best acts to the Playhouse."