Nairn's Little Theatre gets bigger and better

The Scottish Arts Council today announced a National Lottery grant of £324,375 to fund a major revamp of the Little Theatre in Nairn.

This Lottery grant is one of several awarded by Scottish Arts Council, to support the theatre sector in Scotland, including an awards of £1.8 million to His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen and £662,325 for a new dance studio for Scottish Dance Theatre (SDT) within Dundee Rep Theatre.

James Boyle, Chairman of the Scottish Arts Council, said: "The Scottish Arts Council has continually stressed that for Scottish theatre to strengthen and develop we need to secure a strong infrastructure to enable great work to take place. Through investment in quality buildings we are creating the environment in which artists and technicians can best display their talents, and audiences can best appreciate the work on offer."

Formally a scout hut, the theatre is owned and run by Nairn Drama Ltd whose members are delighted at today’s announcement. Improvements will include an expansion of the stage area, additional height in the auditorium, new retractable seating, better technical facilities, improved changing facilities, public toilets and foyer space and an upper floor extension to create meeting/rehearsal/workshop space.

"The redevelopment of the building will make a tremendous difference both to the activities of our club and to the community," said Simon Fraser, one of the directors of Nairn Drama Ltd. "Until now the scope of our facilities have limited what we do and what we are able to offer audiences. Although the number of performances we give may not increase, in the future we will be able to involve more people in our activities and produce work to a much more professional standard.

"Our plans for the theatre also include hosting productions from several touring companies, accommodating a range of events by other arts groups and up to 14 film showings each year.

"We are thrilled to be recognised through this award that also allows us to open our doors and share our working practices as well as to encourage dance making and performance with the professional and local community."

The grant to His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen will fund a new five level extension incorporating a rehearsal/education space, a new foyer with café, restaurant/bar, dressing rooms, toilets, and corporate hospitality facilities.

His Majesty’s Theatre, a Grade A listed building, opened in 1906, is one of the major touring venues in the north of Scotland and the only venue between the central belt and Inverness capable of staging large scale musicals, opera and ballet. It has an average annual audience of 217, 000. Audiences will benefit directly from the physical improvements, which will enhance the overall theatre experience with improved front of house facilities and access. The project will also reach out to new audiences by creating a rehearsal space to support education and community use throughout the day.

Also announced is a grant of £667,650 to Dundee Repertory Theatre to help build an improved space for the Scottish Dance Theatre."

Contact email(s)

media.office@scottisharts.org.uk

Issued by: Scottish Arts Council