General
Rule and Misrule: 7 Famous (and infamous) leaders in Shakespeare
17 Oct 2024
At the beginning of the year, Bell Shakespeare had the privilege of welcoming Collins St Asset Management as Opening Night Series Partner for our production of King Lear. After a remarkable season, we spoke to Rob Hay, Head of Distribution & Investor Relations, to reflect on the significance of the partnership and what is next for the value fund.
Can you tell us how you first became familiar with Bell Shakespeare's work?
I was introduced to Bell Shakespeare by Phillip Crutchfield KC in early 2024 and had the pleasure of being invited to a performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream in Melbourne. Prior to the performance, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet several board members of Bell Shakespeare, as well as some longstanding supporters to hear their insights on Shakespeare's works and what the art means to them - their passion and commitment was both genuine and inspiring.
The Opening Night Series partnership Collins St Asset Management embarked on earlier in the year has opened doors to some new commercial opportunities and strengthened the relationship we have with existing clients of ours who have a love of the theatre and all things Shakespeare.
As performance experts of another kind, Collins St Asset Management has been an invaluable advocate for Bell Shakespeare. What would you say is the value of a corporate/arts partnership?
Collins St Asset Management value the opportunity to support Bell Shakespeare and in particular admire the work they do in bringing Shakespeare and the arts to schools in remote and regional Australia. The Opening Night Series partnership Collins St Asset Management embarked on earlier in the year has opened doors to some new commercial opportunities and strengthened the relationship we have with existing clients of ours who have a love of the theatre and all things Shakespeare.
What has been a highlight for you during your partnership with Bell Shakespeare?
There have been many! It would be an equal first place between watching Robert Menzies perform as King Lear at the opening night in Sydney and having the opportunity to join Peter Evans, Kat Brazenor and many other friends of Bell Shakespeare at a table for Supper in the Seed after a showing of The Poetry of Violence. The actors were amazing in the way they were able to pivot between characters and the conversation afterwards was very wide ranging and thoroughly enjoyable!
We are excited about the prospects of our Australian equities fund as we continue to support our private clients and family office investors in the pursuit of preserving and growing their wealth over the years ahead.
What is coming up for Collins St Asset Management in 2025 to be excited about?
Our flagship Collins St Value Fund has achieved +13.5% net per annum since 2016 and a +17.8% net return for the 2024 Financial Year. With our high conviction position in ASX listed gold stocks beginning to shine and our domestic industrial exposures (mostly acquired on less than 10X forward earnings) delivering robust financial outcomes. We are excited about the prospects of our Australian equities fund and supporting our private clints and family office investors in the pursuit of preserving and growing their wealth over the years ahead.
For information on Collins St Asset Management, contact Rob Hay at rhay@csvf.com.au or on 0423 345 975.