Cumbernauld Theatre Trust 'needs £300,000 in three months' to avoid closure

A popular Lanarkshire theatre has less than three months to secure its future after the Scottish Government withdrew its funding.

Cumbernauld Theatre Trust, which stages 150 live performances a year, has launched a public campaign to raise £300,000 by mid-December to ensure it is able to survive.

The theatre’s closure would threaten more than 50 jobs and “jeopardise opportunities” for future performers.

Patricia Stead, interim CEO of Cumbernauld Theatre, said the people of the town “deserve better”.

The closure of the theatre would put more than 50 jobs at risk Cumbernauld Theatre Trust via Supplied

“We have worked hard with partners and consultants to develop a new model for the theatre which truly puts participation at the heart of everything we do”, she said.

“It is a sustainable plan shaped by our audiences and communities, shaped by the needs and priorities of local people and shaped to ensure that our young people and communities have the opportunity to thrive.

“We also want to continue, as the only theatre and cinema in the area, to be able to bring the best stage and film experiences to our local audiences in a place where they can come comfortably, affordably and in a sense of regular togetherness and community.

“To do this, we need to survive until we can apply again for regular funding. The people of Cumbernauld deserve better.”

The theatre will have to hand its building on Ring Road back to North Lanarkshire Council in 2026 unless it can secure financial help.

It comes just four years after the group moved into the Lanternhouse, a newly built space on the Cumbernauld Academy campus.

The theatre has been backed by some of Scotland’s most recognisable entertainers, who previously told STV it’s an important platform for young performers.

“One unsuccessful application should not mean the loss of the area’s only theatre and cinema, nearly 40 local jobs, and the creative opportunities that have supported generations for 60 years”, Mrs Stead added.

“We very much welcome the proactive conversations we are engaged in with Angus Robertson, and we urge him and his colleagues at Scottish Government to work with the leadership of Creative Scotland and North Lanarkshire Council to help us find a solution in time to save everything that has been built over six decades and is so essential to this town’s future.”

A Creative Scotland spokesperson said: “The Transition Support Programme was intended to provide a short, fixed period of financial security and specialist advice to support organisations in planning for their future.

“Discussions are ongoing and potential avenues of support from Creative Scotland remain available. We await any applications the theatre may wish to make.”