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
Fort Kinnaird announces host of deals and offers
With Edinburgh schools off for February half term, families across the city will be looking for affordable ways to keep kids entertained!
READ MORE
Lost Shore bus route goes public, opening doors to free NEC travel
Lost Shore Surf Resort has confirmed that a regular public bus route has now been registered between the resort and Edinburgh city centre, provided by bus operator, Ember.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Science Festival is Going Global
With the theme of Going Global, Edinburgh Science Festival – the world's first science festival – takes over the Scottish capital between 4 and 19 April!
READ MORE
Sophie Ellis Bextor and Marc Almond join huge line up at Discovery Festival 2026
The full line-up for Dundee's Discovery Festival has been announced, joining the epic roster are Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Marc Almond, The Wanted 2.0 and Haircut 100!
READ MORE
Families urged to enjoy local art galleries, despite new research
Families are avoiding cultural outings, with a quarter feeling their children 'aren't welcome' in venues across the country.
READ MORE
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh celebrates Chinese New Year with a limited edition menu
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is ringing in the Chinese New Year in spectacular style, welcoming the Year of the Horse with a limited-edition menu available from 4th February - 3rd March.
READ MORE
Gilded Balloon announce first Edinburgh Fringe 2026 shows and welcome return to beloved Teviot Row House venue
Gilded Balloon announces its first shows on sale for the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe marking the first exciting reveal of its 2026 programme!
READ MORE
Flirt with film this Valentines Day
This Valentine's Day, love is all around at Everyman and you are invited to share the joy of film with your loved ones!
READ MORE
Big screen family fun lands at Vue this February half term
With a fantastic roster of brand-new blockbusters and familiar favourites, there's plenty for the whole family to enjoy at Vue this Scottish half term!
READ MORE
OMNi enters home stretch of landmark refurbishment
Edinburgh's affordable leisure and entertainment hub, OMNi has announced its centre-wide refurbishment is progressing well and is due to complete at the end of March 2026.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland marks major milestone for its Scottish Sport Fund
Aldi Scotland has marked a major milestone for its Scottish Sport Fund, reaching £500,000 in donations after ten years of supporting grassroots sports clubs across the country.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest announces 2026 programme
Opening this year's festival at Potterrow, is multi-award winning, trad music powerhouse RURA performing tunes from their 15-year-long repertoire; and Scottish newcomers Astro Bloc!
READ MORE
Uncle Tiger brings a rotating line up of Asian flavours and night time energy to Bristo Place
A new restaurant opening on Edinburgh's Bristo Place this February is offering diners something a little different...
READ MORE
The Leddie Loves package launches this February
Whether it's a quiet getaway or a Valentine's treat, let The Leddie set the scene for a romantic getaway!
READ MORE
Love is in the air as the biggest wedding showcase in Scotland returns this weekend!
The ever-popular Scottish Wedding Show returns to Glasgow this Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February, bringing together thousands of happy couples for a loved-up weekend of wedding planning fun!
READ MORE
Summerhall Arts announce applications for Second Annual Group Show and reveal winner of Annual Exhibition Collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art
Summerhall Arts is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Second Annual Summerhall Arts Group Show, taking place in spring 2026.
READ MORE
Pioneering street dance collective THREE60 take their work on tour across Scotland
This Spring, pioneering street dance collective THREE60 are taking their bold and highly energetic show World’s Evolution on tour across Scotland.
READ MORE
Margarita Mile set to shake up the capital
Edinburgh's top bartenders and mixologists are getting set to shake things up with the city's first 'Margarita Mile' for Margarita Month!
READ MORE
Forever Edinburgh partners with Civerinos to launch limited edition Local Legends pizzas for National Pizza Day
Forever Edinburgh is teaming up with Edinburgh favourite Civerinos to fire up National Pizza Day!
READ MORE
Top 10 family days and dining deals to enjoy in Scotland this February half term
From the World of Illusions to dazzling jellyfish lanterns, Scotland is packed with unforgettable adventures for the whole family to enjoy!
READ MORE
Foodies Festival returns to Edinburgh for a spectacular 21st Birthday celebration
Food lovers, music fans and families are in for a treat as Foodies Festival returns to Edinburgh for three packed days of delicious food, live music, hands-on experiences and family fun!
READ MORE
The Royal Yacht Britannia serves perfect blend for Queen Elizabeth II centenary
The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh has created a new Royal Tea and enhanced guided group tour experience to mark 100 years since the birth of Queen Elizabeth II in 2026.
READ MORE
Des Clarke brings new comedy show, Life After Des, to Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow
After more than a decade away from touring (yes, ten full years), Des Clarke is back where he belongs... under the lights, mic in hand, oversharing for your entertainment.
READ MORE
How to beat the crowds and save on entry at Camera Obscura this February
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions has announced extended opening hours throughout the February half term, giving visitors even more time to enjoy one of Edinburgh's most popular attractions.
READ MORE
Music icons take centre stage on the big screen at Vue Edinburgh this February
From legendary rock bands to modern global sensations, music fans are invited to experience an electrifying line-up of artists on the big screen at Vue Edinburgh Omni Centre.
READ MORE
Historic Edinburgh attraction unveils first ever immersive dining experience
This February, The Real Mary King's Close launches its longest and most ambitious experience yet - The Cape Controversy, inspired by the real secret Edinburgh Enlightenment society, the Cape Club.
READ MORE
Conifox Adventure Park launches Easter Festival 2026 with egg hunts, characters and family fun
Conifox Adventure Park is inviting families to celebrate Easter with a magical spring adventure as its much-loved Easter Festival returns for 2026!
READ MORE
Eat Out Edinburgh returns this March with new line up of restaurants including Brasserie Prince at The Balmoral
A month of exceptional dining awaits as Eat Out Edinburgh returns to the city this March, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy a month of exclusive deals and special menus!
READ MORE
Half term savings at Dobbies
Families looking for great-value half-term days out will find plenty to enjoy at Dobbies Garden Centres this February.
READ MORE
Number One welcomes Will Lockwood from Roots York for one night chef collaboration
Number One at The Balmoral, led by Chef de Cuisine Mathew Sherry, will host a special one-night collaborative dinner with Will Lockwood, Head Chef of Michelin-starred Roots York.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links