Regis Centre makessentimental return

One of the best-known names in Bognor Regis is making a return.

The Regis Centre title is being revived by the trustees of the town's arts facility.

They have made the decision after a public survey showed many people were confused about the Hotham Arts Centre title adopted when the building re-opened last June.

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Centre manager Adam Cunard said: 'The results of the survey were conclusive. The highest percentage of those asked skill know the building as the Regis Centre and the new name, Hotham Arts Centre, seems to cause confusion.

'We have, therefore, taken the decision to go with public opinion and change the name back.

'This change will not affect the artistic direction of the centre or what we hope to achieve.'

The name change will be phased in during the next few months. The Alexandra Theatre and Phoenix Gallery titles will be retained to refer to distinct parts of the Regis Centre.

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The news comes as trustees at the centre's operator, the Arun Arts charity, have celebrated a successful first year in charge of the entertainment facility.

Total audiences have topped 25,000 in that period to provide an average audience of more than 50pc of the Alexandra Theatre's 360-seat capacity for each show.

Mr Cunard said the figure showed the demand in Bognor for top-class entertainment at a time when the town's future artistic provision forms part of the regeneration proposals.

'This is an amazing achievement. In one year, we have gone from being closed to a figure like this,' he stated.

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'It is something we hoped to achieve and we are very pleased that we have. It proves conclusively that there is a huge need for an arts centre/theatre facility in Bognor.'

The biggest crowd pullers of the past 12 months at the theatre were the Beauty and the Beast panto, BROS Musical Productions' Thoroughly Modern Millie and the Art of Dance and Fitness show, Wish Upon A Star.

Mr Cunard said the trustees thanked the volunteers and patrons for their support. He hoped an exciting programme for the coming months would build upon the initial success.

Among the acts lined up are regular performances of One Night in Vegas and Down Memory Lane, a comedy current affairs show, The New Seekers and Georgie Fame and this year's panto, The Wonderful World of Oz.