It is intended to be a platform to continue the development of both his producing and directing output in the future, and will be supported by Delfont Mackintosh Theatres (DMT). As well as being a minority shareholder, they will also provide JCPL with a development fund to enable him to create new work for West End theatres and beyond. 

In a press statement, he said, "I have spent the last 20 years producing work for the subsidized theatre, and I am extremely excited by this opportunity to continue to develop my producing and directing in the commercial arena. I have always believed that the commercial sector is equally capable of producing work of the highest artistic standard – often in collaboration with subsidised venues, and I very much hope to maintain an artistically driven agenda in this new forum.

"I am equally excited that this new venture has been encouraged in partnership with Cameron Mackintosh's Theatre Group. Over the last 10 years several key productions from Chichester have been championed by Cameron and housed in Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, including Enron, Macbeth and Private Lives, and our recent co-production of Barnum which is currently on tour."

Mackintosh adds, "Having known Jonathan for many years, since he was running the Salisbury Playhouse. I have been thrilled to see the extraordinary success that he, and his Executive Director Alan Finch, have made of Chichester Festival Theatre over the last decade. When I heard that Jonathan was thinking of his next adventure, I was delighted that Jonathan wanted to continue his work as an independent producer/director, and I am very happy to support his ambition through DMT."