This follows the discovery of dangerous, ‘bubbly’ RAAC concrete in 2023
The highly acclaimed Brunton Theatre Trust is calling for urgent support to ensure the show will go on – despite a decision taken to mothball and possibly demolish it.
East Lothian Council said it is taking the action after structural engineers, planners and other experts found the Brunton Hall in Musselburgh, a regular Edinburgh Fringe Festival venue, was beyond affordable repair.
This follows the discovery of dangerous, ‘bubbly’ RAAC concrete in 2023.
The charity behind the theatre said it is “deeply saddened” by the announcement – but vowed to stay open, saying it has played a key role in boosting the Lothians’ economy over 50 years.
Brunton Theatre Trust says urgent funding and support is needed now more than ever to ensure the community continues to benefit from the world-class arts, entertainment and creative learning it provides, even without the facilities of the Brunton Hall.
It is also supporting calls for a new replacement purpose-built home that places arts and culture firmly at the heart of East Lothian.
As it delivers its autumn/winter programme of creative events and educational projects in its 30th anniversary year, the trust is hoping funding and public support can help them develop a new approach to bringing live performances to audiences across the region.
Michael Stitt, chair of Brunton Theatre Trust, said: “We are deeply saddened that we can no longer welcome audiences to our home of 30 years at the Brunton Hall and we share the feeling of loss that is prevalent within the community at this time.
“The Brunton Hall was a vital community hub for East Lothian providing a space for arts, culture and community to come together, and where audiences were always warmly welcomed.
“However, the show must go on for the people of East Lothian and we are now calling for urgent support to make this happen. We also stand with the local community in asking East Lothian Council to rebuild a purpose built home that places arts and entertainment provision at the heart of the region as a priority.
“In this challenging financial climate, decisions on the future of arts and entertainment across Scotland and East Lothian are critical for local communities. Theatre and cultural experiences make a significant economic, social and cultural contribution to the communities in which they are based.
“For decades, the Brunton Hall and the Brunton Theatre Trust have played a central role in East Lothian – making world-class arts, entertainment and creative learning accessible to all, boosting wellbeing, and attracting visitors who invest in local businesses nearby when they’re here.
“The people and businesses of East Lothian need and deserve a thriving hub of culture and creativity to safeguard these benefits and ensure East Lothian Council’s vision of an ‘even more prosperous, safe and sustainable East Lothian’ is realised.”
He added: “While the indefinite closure and possible demolition of the Brunton Hall are not the outcomes that we had hoped for, these decisions do finally give us greater clarity on the new approach we as a trust now need to take to ensure that we can keep bringing world class live performances and educational experiences to East Lothian. We are now able to look at how we can work widely across the region, and develop and improve alternative spaces we will continue to use.
“We urgently need funding from the council, Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government, as well as support from our audiences, 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. This is vital to ensuring we still have an organisation ready to operate in new performance space the Council aims to build in the future.”
The Brunton Theatre Trust is committed to continuing to support local amateur and community performance groups such as Alpha Dance, ArtsEast Dance, HB Arts and Musselburgh Amateur Musical Association, by helping them find alternative spaces for their performances and providing professional technical, front of house and box office services.
A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said: “We share everyone’s disappointment regarding the situation with the Brunton Hall. In the sad event of the building being demolished, we are committed to exploring to find new ways of meeting accommodation requirements well into the future.
“A place-based project, consistent with the council’s asset strategy and management plan, is to be undertaken to determine the most appropriate, sustainable and affordable way forward.
“This could include potential colocation, developing a business case for replacement of the theatre and other performance spaces or seeking alternative locations in Musselburgh.
“We are determined to work together with the community and local organisations to identify solutions and will keep you updated and informed in the weeks and months ahead.”
To support The Brunton Theatre Trust, you can donate, buy tickets or become a Friend of The Brunton at thebrunton.co.uk
