OXFORD'S New Theatre has changed hands as part of a multi-million-pound deal.

The Ambassador Theatre Group has taken over the running of the theatre along with its George Street neighbour, the Old Fire Station nightclub, from Live Nation.

The deal, believed to be worth £92m, came after Live Nation put all 16 of its UK venues on the market in June.

The New Theatre, which has been run by Live Nation since 2002, employs 20 full-time and 75 casual staff.

Spokesman Diana Hackett said all staff would transfer to the new owner and productions would remain unaffected.