by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Ambassador Theatre Group will continue to run Bromley's Churchill Theatre after winning another five year deal.

But the theatre is to close in April for five months while essential maintenance work is carried out.

The group has operated the theatre since 2000 and will keep that role until 2016 after its tender was accepted by Bromley council.

However, its first act will be to close the venue from April 4. It is due to re-open in September.

The Churchill is one of 39 venues managed by ATG, including 12 in London's West End.

Rosemary Squire, ATG's co-founder and joint chief executive, said: "Churchill Theatre Bromley is lucky to have such a passionate theatre-going audience, and we look forward to providing a continuation of the highest-calibre programming."

The Churchill attracts more than 200,000 theatregoers a year from its catchment area of Kent - mainly West, North and Mid Kent - and South East London.

General manager Julia Potts added: "I am delighted that Churchill Theatre Bromley will continue to be a part of the Ambassador Theatre Group.

"As a member of the largest theatre group in the UK, it means that Churchill Theatre Bromley will have plenty to look forward to in the coming months and years - including a host of premium productions, exemplary customer service, and a community engagement programme that will continue to nurture the audiences, playwrights and performers of the future."

The theatre has premiered more than 40 productions since 2000, with many transferring to the West End, including Dreamboats and Petticoats, All the Fun of the Fair, and Carousel.

Its latest production Jekyll and Hyde starring Marti Pellow is now touring the UK.