Brunton Theatre issues urgent appeal for funding support

Bosses at the venue say its long-term future is in serious doubt after battling a “challenging” financial landscape over the last five years.

The theatre has gone through a tumultuous decade so far, from Covid restrictions to rising energy and living costs having a detrimental impact on the community venue.

In 2023, the group that runs the operation, the Brunton Theatre Trust, was unexpectedly force to close its purpose-built performance spaces at the council-owned Brunton Hall following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

The East Lothian-based group repeatedly bounced back from the challenges to ensure its audiences can continue to enjoy the very best theatre, music, dance, comedy, film and participatory events on a local level.

However, bosses at the Trust are now warning that the challenges have created a ‘perfect storm’ amid a new financial crisis, which means that the charity’s future is uncertain.

They are urgently calling for support from funders and the public to help them ensure the venue’s 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.

“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.

The Brunton works with local schools to ensure children in the area have access to performances (Image: Rob McDougall) “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. 

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Last month, a local democracy report revealed that the council grant was cut by £200,000 and that the theatre was months away from running out of funds.

The theatre, which first opened in the area in 1971, warned that the trust would be breaching its reserves policy if the council continued with the cuts.

Richard Butt from the Trust said there was also no knowledge of when they would be able to move the operation back into The Brunton.

Mr Stitt is now calling on the funding to be reinstated to avoid losing a community asset.

He added: “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 blows 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.”

Among the supporters of the new campaign are Brunton’s long-standing panto dame, Graham Crammond, stand-up comedian, Craig Hill, and producer at the award-winning Catherine Wheels Theatre Company, Louise Gilmour-Wills.

The Brunton also works with local schools to ensure children in the area have access to performances to delivering educational initiatives throughout the year.

Mark Cox and Jane McCarry will headline an autumn event for the Brunton Theatre Trust. (Image: Brunton Theatre) 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.”

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.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “Throughout a difficult period, the Brunton Theatre Trust has continued to present its varied and popular arts programme in alternative venues. We remain committed to working constructively with and supporting the Brunton Theatre Trust.

“When elected members met in February to consider the council’s 2024/25 budget, difficult decisions were required to plug a £17.3 million funding gap largely due to external pressures, with a £2.157 million increase in core funding from central government being insufficient to cover rising costs. 

“In that context, a reduction in funding for the Brunton Theatre Trust was agreed, alongside other cost savings across the council. Nevertheless, the council has continued to provide £254,982 for the trust in 2024/25.

“Due to the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated concrete (RAAC), significant parts of the Brunton Hall remain mothballed. This is a complex technical situation and work has been taking place on an options appraisal. We are aiming to bring a report before Council in the near future.”