Acclaimed Scottish theatre trust calls for public support to keep the show on the road
High profile performers and fans are among those supporting a call to help keep the ‘show on the road’ for the Brunton Theatre Trust in its 30th anniversary year.
Article Source: The Brunton
Last Updated: 2 October 2024 15:02
As it delivers a jam-packed autumn programme of enthralling creative events and educational projects, the Brunton Theatre Trust is calling for support from funders and the public to help them through a challenging financial landscape.
From Covid restrictions and the unexpected closure of its purpose-built performance spaces at the council-owned Brunton Hall following the discovery of RAAC in 2023, the trust based in East Lothian has repeatedly bounced back to ensure its audiences can continue to enjoy the very best theatre, music, dance, comedy, film and participatory events. However, this perfect storm of events, set amidst the current financial crisis, now means that the charity’s future is uncertain, and they urgently need support from funders and the public to ensure their long-term survival.
Michael Stitt, Chair of Brunton Theatre Trust said: “Our incredibly resilient team has navigated around the restrictions and unexpected closures at the much-loved Brunton Hall to ensure audiences continue to be entertained and enriched through a variety of events and educational initiatives. This autumn season alone The Brunton is hosting performances from the Royal Northern Sinfonia, Still Game comedians Mark Cox & Jane McCarry, soloists Katherine Bryan and Timothy Orpen from the RSNO, Talon – The Best of the Eagles, the much-loved Brunton pantomime, and more!
“However, as we operate on a reduced income while our main venue remains closed and East Lothian Council decided to reduce our funding by almost 50% this year, we have unexpectedly had to use a large amount of our carefully managed reserves to keep going.
“We are now in a very difficult financial situation and urgently need support from East Lothian Council, Creative Scotland, the Scottish Government, and the public to ensure we can continue to deliver the same level of high-quality arts, culture and entertainment events and education projects throughout 2025 and beyond.
“The public can support us by donating, joining our Friends scheme, booking tickets to enjoy our fantastic programme of events and telling local councillors and others how important our Trust is to them.
“We are asking East Lothian Council to restore the level of funding we need to continue as a matter of urgency. As the county’s main cultural provider, it is vital we build on the success of the past 30 years. Less funding and RAAC have been cruel blow to this cherished East Lothian institution. We must have the same support that we have had from the council over the years to ensure the next 30 years are just as successful.
“We are awaiting a funding decision from Creative Scotland’s Multi Year Fund, which is vital in supporting our continuation for the next three years and we are looking at all fundraising options to ensure our sustainability for the future. This is an exceptionally difficult time for the arts and culture across Scotland and we need support from our funders and public now more than ever.”
Support from performers
The Brunton’s long-standing panto dame, Graham Crammond, who was presented with an Unsung Hero Award at The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals live on the BBC earlier this year, added: “The Brunton has been such a massive part of my life. It really is a joy to perform in their pantomimes and to see the audience get so much from it. I hope all those who have enjoyed our performances over the years make every performance a sell-out, so that we can continue to enjoy performances at The Brunton for many many years to come.”
Stand-up comedian, Craig Hill who is due to appear at the same Brunton venue on Saturday 8 February said: "I can’t wait to come back to The Brunton Theatre. It’s genuinely one of my favourite spaces to perform in and so well loved and well used by the locals. You can tell when a venue means a lot to a community and it’s always a joy to perform in a place like that. The team have done a phenomenal job of keeping the show on the road given all they have had to navigate around. The trust is a real asset to Scotland and East Lothian. I hope they will get lots of support, so that their fabulous programme can continue. It says a lot about how special a venue is when visiting performers love it as much as the people who live there.”
Tony Mills, former Artist in Residence at the Brunton and current Artistic Director of Dance Base said: "As well as presenting commercial theatre, world class music, film and community-led performances, The Brunton has been a regular supporter of the independent arts sector in Scotland, providing a vital platform while on tour, a space for production and partnering to help move projects forward. As an artist in residence at the Brunton for many years, I have been grateful for the opportunity to have a base and to be given time and support to develop ideas and projects. This has been invaluable to my growth as an artist, both through the support given, but also because it required raising my own game to work with a partner such as The Brunton.
“I really hope the organisation can continue to provide this kind of career changing support and remain an asset to the wider Scottish arts ecology. And I hope that audiences and funders will support it to continue for many years to come, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of the cultural landscape of East Lothian."
Louise Gilmour-Wills, Producer at the Catherine Wheels Theatre Company, which produces award-winning theatre for young people, said: "The Brunton is an incredibly important cultural organisation in East Lothian and must be cherished, both by funders and the community. Catherine Wheels have developed a huge amount of our work through collaboration with The Brunton, and presented this to audiences at Brunton Hall and other venues with the support of the Brunton team. We need organisations like the Brunton to continue so that artists can show their work, and entertain young audiences, their friends and families across the region."
School comment:
Samantha Mackay, Chair of Friends of Stobhill Primary School in Gorebridge said: “We fundraise so that our entire school can look forward to The Brunton Pantomime every year. It provides an excellent accessible local pantomime option for us and the performers always puts on such a fantastic show. It means so much to our Stobhill community. I wish the Brunton Theatre Trust every success in their fundraising appeal, so that our community can enjoy their performances for many years to come.”
Brunton Youth Theatre comment:
The Trust also provides an important lifeline for local children and young people. From giving them access to performances to delivering educational initiatives throughout the year. Describing the importance to his life, Brunton Youth Theatre member, Lewis Crawford, age 9 from Midlothian said: “I've been going to the Brunton Youth Theatre for years, and I love it. I really enjoy acting, going to the classes has really helped my confidence, and I enjoy meeting new people and making new friends. I also love going to see the pantomime with my school every year.”
The Brunton stands with Musselburgh community
Despite the challenges that lie ahead for the Brunton Theatre Trust, with enough funding and support, The Brunton Theatre Trust Chair Michael Stitt is hopeful that they can weather the storm and continue to make culture and entertainment accessible to their audiences, as they have for 30 years: “As we wait news of funding, alongside an update from East Lothian Council as to the future of the Brunton Hall building, we want to let the community of Musselburgh and beyond know that we stand with them, and to ask that the local authority’s future plans place arts and entertainment provision at the heart of the town.”
To support The Brunton theatre, you can donate, buy tickets or become a Friend of The Brunton at thebrunton.co.uk
Image: Graham Crammond
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Edinburgh and the Lothians Best takes home Prestigious Prizes at the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards
Top butchers and bakeries in Edinburgh and the Lothians’ have claimed a variety of much sought-after prizes at the prestigious 2025 World Championship Scotch Pie Awards.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces industry partnership with UNIFIED
Edinburgh International Film Festival and newly formed production outfit UNIFIED have today announced they are partnering on a special strand of events as part of the industry programme.
READ MORE
Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons
Scottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.
READ MORE
Guide Dogs go for a walk on the wild side at Edinburgh Zoo
Two puppies in training to become guide dogs enjoyed a visit to Edinburgh Zoo as part of a new collaboration between Guide Dogs and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Festival Celebrates Record Breaking Youth Participation with 25 Years of Art of Listening Workshops
This year the Edinburgh International Festival’s flagship workshop Art of Listening celebrates 25 years of bringing live classical music to schoolchildren across Edinburgh.
READ MORE
New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers
A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.
READ MORE
Rooftop vibes return to Edinburgh city centre
Skyline Sips, Edinburgh’s most exciting rooftop venue, is back for its third year at Level 5, St James Quarter.
READ MORE
A Landmark Year for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo gives audiences an exclusive look behind the drawbridge of its landmark 75th Anniversary Show, The Heroes Who Made Us.
READ MORE
David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month
Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
May and June at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
From Music to Father's Day, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in May and June!
READ MORE
Here & Now showcase returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Here & Now returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe ith a brilliant programme of the best dance, installation, integrated performance, movement and theatre being created in England right now.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 to open with acclaimed SORRY, BABY by Eva Victor
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today announced Eva Victor’s acclaimed comedy-drama SORRY, BABY will open the Festival in August.
READ MORE
The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors
2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical
Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MORE
Cold Town House in Edinburgh partners with Aperol to transform iconic rooftop bar
Cold Town House in the Grassmarket has teamed up with Italy’s iconic orange bittersweet aperitif, Aperol, to add some spritz to its city centre location from May until September.
READ MORE
Major new displays at National Galleries Scotland: Modern One this summer
Discover some of the biggest names in modern and contemporary art at Modern One this Summer with a series of free ARTIST ROOMS displays in Edinburgh from 12 July 2025.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day
For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.
READ MORE
Giant Lanterns are back with a splash at Edinburgh Zoo!
For the first time in six years, Edinburgh Zoo is bringing its Giant Lanterns event back with a splash this winter.
READ MORE
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates
Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience
This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes
Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland
The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORE
Gilded Balloon announce 40th anniversary programming
One of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s most iconic venues, Gilded Balloon, has announced a huge roster of legendary names to celebrate its 40th anniversary this August.
READ MORE
Conifox Champions Allergy Inclusion for Families
Allergy Awareness in Action as Conifox Adventure Park sets a new standard for safe family days out.
READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORE
Skerryvore castle concert capacity grows due to global demand
A special one-off event celebrating the 20th anniversary of beloved Scottish band Skerryvore is getting even bigger, organisers have announced.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival announces expanded The Front List series for 2025
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is delighted to announce the second year of The Front List, in partnership with Underbelly.
READ MORE
Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT
Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.
READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15
To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!
Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links