Ayr’s iconic Gaiety Theatre will need support for the foreseeable future, according to theatre bosses.
But concerns that a delay in funding being approved, because of the upcoming council elections, could place the theatre at risk have been played down.
The Ayr Gaiety Partnership (AGP) has asked South Ayrshire Council (SAC) to ‘invest’ £450,000 over the next three years to ensure the theatre remains viable as it continues to struggle amid covid restrictions.
Over the last three years, SAC has provided support to the tune of £335,000 plus £200,000 in Covid recovery funds.
But Gaiety Theatre chief executive Jeremy Wyatt told the partnerships panel that they will not only need considerable financial support for the next three years, but well into the future.
Councillor Ian Cavana raised a concern that it would not be the partnerships panel approving the funding, a decision to be made by the leadership panel.
However, this would not be until after the elections in May. Cllr Cavana asked whether this delay would create problems.
Mr Wyatt replied that there wouldn’t be a problem as long as there was confidence that the funding was approved later in the summer.
In its request for help, the AGP made it clear that, outside cities, a standalone commercial theatre is ‘not possible’ without other income.
It claims that it receives less public money than any other similar size theatre in Scotland.
The AGP state: “Ayr Gaiety was able to continue to operate and deliver despite the theatre building being closed.
“Overall AGP has delivered outstanding value for money and major results in terms of cultural life, economic impact and wellbeing.
“While AGP is confident of being able to secure some income from increased fund raising and other sources, SAC support for 2022-24 remains essential.”
“Indeed SAC support will remain essential in the long term as a commercial stand alone operations for theatres outside major conurbations is not possible.
“Outside (and possibly including) the circumstances of the pandemic, the Gaiety continues to receive far less public funding than any other similar theatre in Scotland.
“Any return to normal for theatres is some way off. The Gaiety is currently running at reduced capacity and we still anticipate that it will not be until 2023 that historic audience numbers will return.”
Mr Wyatt told councillors on the partnerships panel: “We are putting on shows and seems people are very keen to come. However, it is very uncertain.
“We are still having to cancel shows from time to time due to illness.
“But the feedback we are getting from people is incredible. Some of the stories about the difference that had made, simply coming to the panto was amazing.”
In return for financial support, AGP says it aims to bring in at least £10 for every £1 in council funding, provide jobs, training and attract visitors to the area – estimating this as bringing £1.8 million into the local economy each year.
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