Southampton’s two principal venues for live performance; Mayflower Theatre and MAST Mayflower Studios, are nationally renowned and much loved, both for the breadth of the performances they offer and the quality of the audience’s experience.

Audiences are very engaged with both venues and the shows they see, so the Mayflower team wanted to offer more; a behind-the-scenes peek via a printed publication that offered a deeper insight into some of the Mayflower’s activity and work.

As the retained creative partner for Mayflower, we were asked to consider the development of a magazine, freely available to those who wanted to know more.

We met with the Mayflower team to discuss and agree on a format that was reminiscent of a quality Sunday magazine supplement – but better. We agreed on an A4 magazine but with a flat spine like a book (known as PUR bind).  The printer, Bishops was very helpful in advising on paper stock and providing dummy samples and finishes to enable us to make the right print choice with confidence.

We agreed on a title and cross venue icon – and M Magazine was born.

Ashley Banjo from Diversity (former Britain’s Got Talent winner) was the cover star. Ashley and Diversity starred in Mayflower’s 2023 record-breaking pantomime Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs which proved to be so popular that they are coming back for Mayflower Theatre’s 2024 pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, with Ashley starring as Jack Trott.

Other magazine articles ranged from how dance god, Carlos Acosta is bringing dance to the South Coast, Black History Month key figures and events, Mayflower’s vast historical archive, and stories from Mayflower staff, right through to an in-depth interview with Sasha Lovett, company director of the global phenomenon which is the musical smash Hamilton (coming to Mayflower Theatre in March 2025).

We enjoyed designing and bringing some alternative thinking to deliver Mayflower’s vision for its audience and are delighted with the final result, a new magazine and its shiny new countertop display.

Pick up a copy from either venue and take a look yourself.

July 2024

Mayflower – Mayflower Theatre & MAST Mayflower Studios

Concept design, print management and artwork.