Merlin Entertainments has today announced the appointment of RWS Global as its preferred entertainment production partner for six global destinations.
RWS Global is set to collaborate with Merlin to produce, deliver and operate premium guest entertainment experiences at Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort in the UK, and LEGOLAND California Resort, LEGOLAND New York Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort in the US. A notable omission from the UK attractions falling under this new partnership is Thorpe Park, which suggests that the park’s entertainment offerings will continue to be delivered by an in-house team during the 2025 season, before presumably also moving to the new model over the closed season.
RWS Global has been the provider of entertainment services to Disney, Europa-Park Resort and Hershey, with a number of other notable and high-profile attractions and events amongst the company’s portfolio. It is said that the partnership will complement Merlin’s core in-house entertainment offering, allowing the resorts to scale up to deliver brand and guest experiences throughout the year, including during seasonal special events. RWS Global is reported to be developing more than 100 experiences at these Merlin resorts in 2025, with new, innovative productions, immersive storytelling and exciting new shows.
Kathy Bagshaw, Global Director of Events and Entertainments Operations at Merlin Entertainments, said:
“Merlin is committed to providing world-class entertainment for every guest. Through this exciting new partnership, we have the opportunity to continue delivering first-rate entertainment that guests have come to know and love at our resorts and elevate it to an even higher level. RWS Global’s vast network of creative talent, innovative production resources and operational expertise will help us bring bigger and better entertainment experiences to life, ensuring that guests enjoy new, innovative offerings year after year.”
Ryan Stana, Chairman & CEO at RWS Global, said:
“We are delighted to join Merlin in building the future of in-park experiences, ushering in a new era of entertainment, and elevating the guest experience at its attractions around the world. By leveraging RWS Global’s worldwide resources, these resorts will deliver more memorable moments and maximise value for guests.”
This latest news follows a restructuring by Merlin Entertainments over the winter months, which included large-scale redundancies within the existing in-house Entertainments teams at the attractions named in today’s announcement. Nonetheless, as a leading provider of high-quality entertainment, RWS Global is reportedly dedicated to nurturing talent at every stage, providing performers with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Through this collaboration, Merlin and RWS Global intend to open new doors for performers to elevate their craft and bring unforgettable magic to audiences around the globe.
Although the short-term effect has been a scale-back in the level of entertainments and events at the attractions in the 2025 season, hopefully this will prove to be a positive move in future seasons. Presumably the 2025 Halloween season will provide the first indication of what the collaboration between Merlin and RWS Global will bring.
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