HIGH-PROFILE performers and fans are among those supporting a call to keep the ‘show on the road’ as the Brunton Theatre Trust celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Comedians, actors and theatre companies have joined forces to show their support for the theatre in Musselburgh.
The trust has faced a range of difficulties ranging from the Covid-19 pandemic to the cost-of-living crisis and the unexpected closure of the performance space due to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC); it is currently having to find alternative venues for a variety of shows and performances.
Michael Stitt, chair of Brunton Theatre Trust, thanked everyone for their support over a challenging few years.
He 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 and Jane McCarry, soloists Katherine Bryan and Timothy Orpen from the RSNO, Talon – The Best of the Eagles, the much-loved Brunton pantomime, and more!"
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Among those highlighting the importance of the theatre trust is Graham Crammond, The Brunton’s long-standing panto dame.
He said: “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 is due to appear at Haddington Corn Exchange in the New Year.
He highlighted his love for The Brunton and said: "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.”
Louise Gilmour-Wills, producer at the Catherine Wheels Theatre Company, which produces award-winning theatre for young people, was also keen to stress the importance of the venue and what it offered.
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She 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.”
Those wanting to support The Brunton can donate, buy tickets or become a Friend of The Brunton at thebrunton.co.uk
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