The 2025 Annual General Meeting

Company Secretary Ann Watchorn opens the meeting

Management Committee Chair Bella Cavicchi announces the winners of the awards

Jude Chalk thanks Bella for her work over the year

As usual the Company came together for its annual, formal summary of the previous year (financially and artistically) and a look ahead to the coming year.

Jude Chalk, Chair of the Company's Board, opened with an explanation of the roles of the Board, the Management Committee, and the various groups that work with them to manage all the Company's activities. She was followed by Abby-Lee Widger who this year has prepared the Company's annual report and accounts. The Company remains in a strong financial position; particularly pleasing is the increase in box office attendance, although the income from this has been partially offset by a significant increase in costs. We again benefited from significant legacies from former members.

Members of the Board and Management Committee

Jude Chalk delivers her report

David Taylor gave an overview of the work of the Building Group – we were in the middle of a major project to crerate a new rehearsal room above the existing dressing room. Completion was expected in November. Earlier in the year, other minor improvements had been made to the building such as better storage for props used in rehearsals, and redecoration and improved lighting on the main staircase.

Abby-Lee Widger explains the current financial position

David Taylor reports on the work of the Building Group

Artistic Director, Amanda Waggott, announced the 2026 Summer Season of plays; in addition to the usual six plays to be performed in our theatre, we shall be again taking a play on tour to the Brighton Open-Air Theatre. The Tower has also been invited to participate in a Wolf Hall weekend event where we will be presenting a rehearsed reading of The Mirror and the Light at All Hallows by-the-Tower Church.

Amanda Waggott reviews the year's productions

The annual prizes for the 200 Club are drawn

Emily Hassan was elected to the Board and Lucy Glass, Stephen Ley and Nick Edwards to the Management Committee.

Awards were given out : the Barbara Waddell Award - for a significant contribution to the Comapany over a number of years - was presented to Peta Barker and Jacqui Dickson. The Frank Smith Award - which is given to a member of less than 3 years standing who has made a contribution to the company in a variety of roles - was awarded to Caroline Scott. Life membership was awarded to Robert Pennant Jones and Denyse Macpherson.

The annual winners of the 200 Club prizes were also announced.