HAZEL Clover, manager of Ipswich's Regent Theatre is leaving, it was announced today.Miss Clover, who has worked as the venue's manager for the last seven-and-a-half years, is moving to the Midlands.

James Marston

HAZEL Clover, manager of Ipswich's Regent Theatre is leaving, it was announced today.

Miss Clover, who has worked as the venue's manager for the last seven-and-a-half years, is moving to the Midlands.

The 42-year-old said: “I have recently got married and we both have family and friends in the Midlands.

“The Regent theatre has been my passion for the last eight or so years and it is a wrench to leave. I leave behind a fantastic team of people.”

Miss Clover oversaw last year's £500,000 refurbishment of the theatre and development of the theatre's programming.

Judy Terry, Ipswich Borough Councillor with responsibility for the council-owned venue said: “We shall miss Hazel as she has done a tremendous job at the Regent and helped us to turn it into one of the very best regional theatres in the country and a huge asset for Ipswich.

“I would also like to say a personal thank you and wish her all the best in her new job and her new life.”