COMPANY STATEMENT

Back Row has successfully developed and presented innovative productions throughout the world for over a decade. In 1995 we discovered Tap Dogs in Sydney, and have since produced the show on 6 continents, in more than 20 countries and over 250 cities - often with a number of companies touring simultaneously.

Back Row has produced a wide range of shows internationally, from Slava’s Snowshow (presently playing off-Broadway) to the New York debut of Eddie Izzard, and from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival production of Ningali (the story of a remarkable young Aboriginal woman) to the record-breaking West End season and European tours of Jerry Seinfeld.In 1999 Back Row commissioned and developed the award-winning Gumboots, a show which features a troupe of dancers, singers and musicians from Soweto, South Africa.

In 2000 Back Row was acquired by Clear Channel, the largest live entertainment company in the world. While working within Clear Channel’s London office we consolidated the European and Asian touring circuits for all of their UK theatrical productions, and took responsibility for developing new international theatre markets, partnerships and strategies.

In 2001 we launched the European tour of award-winning Broadway show Fosse in Hamburg, followed by seasons in Basel, Amsterdam, Tokyo and Paris. During this time we also produced the hit show about motherhood, Mum’s the Word, for its European North American and regional tours prior to a West End opening in 2003.

Our international reputation was consolidated through booking, managing and/or producing seasons of Slava’s Snowshow, Cats, Chicago, Bounce, Circus Oz, Gumboots, Tap Dogs, Lady Salsa, Fosse and Mum’s the Word.

In January 2005, the company re-acquired from Clear Channel, once again becoming independent. We have since expanded the Back Row strategy to include general management and international booking consultancy for external clients. Forthcoming tours include seasons of Miss Saigon, (Lisbon), Starlight Expressand Chicago(Athens), and Cats(Lisbon and Porto).

We are presently touring Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lakewhich was featured in the film Billy Elliot and went on to become the longest running contemporary ballet on both Broadway and the West End. Following a sell-out season in London’s prestigious Sadler’s Well theatre, it has now embarked on an extensive international tour of Europe, Asia and North America.