THE duo behind the Ambassadors Theatre Group have topped The Stage 100 for a fifth consecutive year, equalling the record-breaking run previously set by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Husband and wife team Sir Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire OBE were recognised as leading lights by the annual power list, detailing the theatre and performing arts industry’s most influential individuals.

It firmly establishes Rosemary as the most prominent woman in British theatre of the modern era.

Howard said: “Once again both Rosemary and I are overwhelmed to have been recognised in this manner by The Stage 100.

“It is, however, a deserved reflection of all the hard work and commitment of our wonderful team at ATG to creating unrivalled theatre for audiences throughout the UK and the rest of the world to enjoy.

“At ATG, we aim to deliver unique creative output and we have continued to do so this year. Our plans for 2014 are even more ambitious and we are looking forward to continued success across the world.

“On a personal note, this has been a year of incredible highs and this marks the pinnacle of an unbelievable year.”

Rosemary, who founded ATG alongside her partner back in 1992, added: “The past 12 months have been truly memorable and game-changing for our company; a year where we started to see our international ambitions beginning to flourish.

“My personal highlight was planting a flag on US soil as we acquired The Foxwoods Theatre in New York and, in doing so, ATG became the first British company to own a theatre on Broadway; something Howard and I have always dreamed of.

“The acquisition was a huge accomplishment for all involved and we thank our colleagues for helping us to finally get there.”

2013 has been one of the most pivotal and groundbreaking years in ATG’s 21-year history as the company’s plans for international expansion started to become realised.

In May, through its subsidiary, Lyric Theatre LLC, ATG acquired The Foxwoods Theatre from Live Nation Entertainment.

The Foxwoods Theatre, the largest on Broadway, is situated in a prime 42nd Street location and seats nearly 2,000 people and is home to Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark, the most talked about show in American theatre.