I WAS recruited to Exeter Northcott at the beginning of 2009. It has been a privilege to work with the staff there, colleagues in the local arts world, an amazing array of home- grown talent as well as with theatre-makers of international renown, to bring thrilling, funny, moving and life-changing experiences onto our stage and into our city.

Especially close to my heart has been the work we have created with local writers, actors and South West arts companies.

As the director, it was wonderful to see more than 17,000 people enjoy the traditional pantomime, Mother Goose, which I co-wrote with Steve Bennett and Michael Kirk.

In the last year, we have managed to attract many people back to the Northcott who have stayed away for many years, as well as lots of first-time visitors.

To all the people who have supported us in 2009, I say a huge thank you — we could not have done it without you, and your enthusiasm has made all our hard work worthwhile.

We know, however, that some people have felt left out.

For those who have not been to a performance recently, I hope you will give the theatre and its staff another chance in the near future.

The stakeholders continue to work toward a plan for the theatre which will keep artists, original work and creative learning at the centre of the programme.

The audiences and theatre makers of Exeter and Devon have shown that they need and want this variety at the only theatre in Exeter which can offer it to them.

Rebecca Manson Jones

Exeter