FINE JEWELLER Michael Jones Jeweller has pledged £5,000 to support Royal & Derngate’s Derngate at 40 fundraising campaign.
The money will help to fund the replenishing and refreshing of seating in the Derngate as the venue celebrates its 40thanniversary. Since its last full refurbishment in 2006 the auditorium has welcomed over six million guests and refurbishing the seats is one of the theatre’s priorities.
The campaign aims to ensure that the ‘fabric’ of the building is preserved, so that, with the support of local businesses, it can promise the best theatre-going experience for all visitors.
Michael Jones Jeweller has a long-standing relationship with the theatre, having been the primary sponsor of Royal & Derngate’s Made in Northampton productions for the last seven years and is an established Business Club partner. The Made in Northampton shows have brought the theatre national recognition, with productions such as The Pope – which premiered at Royal & Derngate in 2019 – going on to inspire a major film. It returned once again in 2022 as part of a national tour under the new title The Two Popes.
Other successes include The Worst Witch, which transferred to the West End and won Best Family Show in the 2020 Olivier Awards. Our Lady of Kibeho was also nominated for an Olivier and the production of Michael Rosen’s Unexpected Twist toured the UK this spring.
Royal & Derngate is committed to creating strong bonds with its business partners. The Michael Jones Jeweller donation shows the integral role local businesses play in cementing the theatre’s place at the heart of Northampton and helping it maintain its position as the premiere arts venue for the local community, says theatre chief executive Jo Gordon. The Royal & Dernbgate is a registered charity and depends on partnerships with businesses that share the theatre’s vision to create something special for Northampton and the wider region.
“The show of support received from Michael Jones Jeweller underlines the strong relationship that already exists between our two organisations and reflects the bonds we strive to create among all our affiliated business partners,” says Ms Gordon. “This donation will support us in our aims to enrich Northampton’s cultural landscape, providing a refreshed and comfortable environment for future theatregoers to enjoy the work on the stage.
“The commitment and vision shown by Michael Jones Jeweller is clear for all to see, and we thank them enormously for their philanthropic support.”
Michael Jones Jeweller director Mark Conway adds: “It is our great pleasure to support Royal & Derngate in regenerating their Derngate auditorium seating. We recognise the importance this venue plays in the local and wider Northampton community and have experienced first-hand the wonderful work this theatre produces. Our donation will enable future visitors to enjoy high quality theatre-going experiences in the years to come.”
Find out how your business can support the Royal & Derngate. Email the theatre’s development team at