Brunton bouncing back

Mar 26 2023 | By Thom Dibdin More

Venue trust “upbeat about sourcing alternative venues”.

The Brunton Theatre Trust says its programme of work will go on, even though The Brunton venue is temporarily dark due to the emergency structural surveys taking place in its performance spaces.

The Trust is adamant that they theatre’s programme of events will continue as it works with local venues to secure alternatives in Musselburgh and close by.

The Brunton Theatre. Photo: Thom Dibdin

Michael Stitt, Chair of Brunton Theatre Trust, said: “The Brunton’s programme of events is happening. We are asking audiences to please bear with us as we make arrangements for our events. We are working as quickly as we can.

“As this situation came about without any warning, some of our events this week have had to be rescheduled to new dates and we will update our customers as soon as we can confirm where and when they will be.”

Last Saturday’s A Vision of Elvis sold out concerts were relocated to Musselburgh Grammar School.

The popular Bite-sized Concerts at Lunchtime series will now be housed at the North Esk Church at 16 Bridge Street, EH21 6AG.

Several local dance company shows are now taking place at Loretto School Theatre. Other venues will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.

Made in Dagenham

MAMA, the Musselburgh Amateur Musical Association, which is due to perform Made In Dagenham The Musical in the theatre space from Wed 19 to Sat 22 April is actively looking for an alternative venue, which will be announced as soon as it is known.

Stitt added: We are so grateful for the support and understanding shown by the performers booked to come to The Brunton.

“Brunton Theatre Trust has a long history of staging professional arts and entertainment events out and about around East Lothian and we are now working with our partners to ensure that the shows will go on.

“Whilst we are devastated at the temporary loss of our space at The Brunton, we are feeling very upbeat about sourcing alternative venues for our programme.”

The Trust made the shock announcement that it would have to close the Theatre temporarily for structural surveys on March 15 after discoveries made during planned roofing inspection work.

Last week it emerged that the surveys would have to extend to include Venue 1, with the venue expected to be dark for performances until June.

However the larger Brunton Hall, of which the venues form a part, is still open for East Lothian Council services, the Brunton box office is still open and The Bistro at The Brunton is also still open for business.

The Trust is contacting all existing ticket holders with any updates to the performances they are booked to see. It is also updating its website as alternative venues are found and making announcements on its social media channels.