ALTERNATIVE venues are continuing to be used while The Brunton in Musselburgh remains closed following a roof survey last year.
In 2023, the Brunton Theatre Trust successfully rose to the challenge of moving its programme of arts and entertainment into temporary homes – Loretto School Theatre and Northesk Parish Church in Musselburgh, and the Corn Exchange in Haddington.
A trust spokesperson said: “Loretto School Theatre is a cosy theatre with raked seating and clear sightlines to a raised stage.
“The big screen makes Loretto Theatre the temporary home of The Brunton’s midweek movies, Royal Opera House and National Theatre Live screenings.”
Theatre lovers can enjoy the best of the West End on the big screen including: Dear England, a “gripping examination of nation and game” with Joseph Fiennes as Gareth Southgate today (Thursday); Vanya, a radical new one-man adaptation of Chekhov’s classic on Thursday, February 22; and The Motive and The Cue, a funny new play with Mark Gatiss as John Gielgud and Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton, on Thursday, March 21.
Royal Opera House screenings offer the opportunity to experience world-class opera and ballet, including Kenneth MacMillan’s ballet Manon on Wednesday, February 7; and Madama Butterfly, Puccini’s opera, on Tuesday, March 26.
The Brunton’s midweek movies programme offers new release films most Wednesdays, with Priscilla, One Life and The Holdovers on screen this February and March, as well as a Valentine’s Day special supper and movie night with Notting Hill.
Also coming soon to Loretto School Theatre is The Brunton’s Performing Arts Network with a community cast of young performers and 13! A New Musical from Thursday, February 15, to Saturday, February 17.
With a rock score from Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, it is a musical about fitting in and standing out.
Fans of The Boss can enjoy a tribute to the Main Man with Dougie Robertson’s Springsteen Sessions on Saturday, March 23.
The audience can enjoy Bruce Springsteen hits including Born In The USA, Dancing In The Dark, Thunder Road, Glory Days and more recent material.
“Northesk Parish Church in Musselburgh has a fantastic acoustic and has become a firm favourite with classical music audiences,” the trust spokesperson said.
The Bite-Sized Concerts at Lunchtime series offers optional soup and a sandwich in the church hall, followed by an hour’s concert in the church.
These recitals include established and emerging, prize-winning performers.
The new line-up includes: The Virtuoso Violin with Emma Baird accompanied by pianist Anna Michels on Tuesday, February 20, playing pieces by Bach, Chausson and Ysaÿe; and Guitar Masterpieces with Tim Beattie on Tuesday, March 19, playing a mix of musical styles from Bach, Piazzolla and Britten.
The evening concert series with Soloists of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra also takes place at Northesk Parish Church.
The Poetic Bassoon with Cerys Ambrose-Evans is accompanied by pianist Scott Mitchell on Wednesday, March 6.
Brunton Theatre Trust has installed professional staging, lighting and sound equipment into the Corn Exchange in Haddington.
“This fantastic space hosts outstanding Scottish folk band FARA with a unique mix of spell-binding vocals and intricately woven fiddle harmonies on Friday, February 23,” said the trust spokesperson.
The Corn Exchange will resound with tributes Totally Tina – a recreation of a live Tina Turner concert – on Friday, March 8; Lionel – The Music of Lionel Richie, with a stellar line up of world-class musicians, on Saturday, March 9; and The Counterfeit Sixties Show, bringing alive the music and magic of the swinging sixties on Saturday, March 23.
Meanwhile, comedian Craig Hill is bringing his new live comedy show to the stage to lighten a dark, Haddington night on Saturday, February 24.
Snooker afficionados can enjoy An Evening with Snooker Greats – Clash of The Titans, also at the Corn Exchange.
Stephen Hendry, John Higgins and Dennis Taylor recreate the matches that saw them rise to the top of their profession.
There will also be a Q&A, with the opportunity for the audience to pose the questions they have always wanted to ask, on Tuesday, March 26.
Full information on all events can be found at thebrunton.co.uk
Tickets can be bought via the website or by calling the box office on 0131 653 5245.
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