HAMPSHIRE businesses will discover the true magic of the theatre next week when they go backstage at Winchester’s Theatre Royal.

Around 40 companies are sending representatives to the event on June 6, organised by the county council under the Hampshire Ambassadors scheme.

The group of ‘ambassadors’ will learn how the theatre runs a successful business, attracting almost 75,000 customers per year.

Mark Courtice, theatre chief executive said: “For 100 years we have been an important part of commercial and community life in the city and it is great to be able to welcome business leaders and those who speak for Hampshire across the world to our very special theatre as we approach our centenary in 2014.”