Brunton Theatre


(Brunton Memorial Hall)

The Brunton Theatre is located within the Brunton Memorial Hall, a strikingly modern civic building located on Ladywell Way in Fisherrow (Musselburgh). The textured concrete and glass building was designed by Sir William Kininmonth (1904-88) of Rowand Anderson, Kininmonth and Paul, with a prominent gilded relief sculpture by Tom Whalen mounted on the facade which faces down North High Street. The theatre seats an audience of 296 in tiered seating and aims to provide a range of productions which appeals to a wide audience. This includes drama, dance, music, comedy, children's theatre, film, workshops and musicals as well as amateur and community productions. Brunton Theatre works in partnership with a range of performing arts companies to produce and present performances and participatory projects. Catherine Wheels Theatre Company has been resident at the Theatre since 2002 and addition to regular productions, works closely with theatre staff to deliver projects for schools.

In addition to the theatre and an associated bar and bistro, the Brunton Memorial Hall provides rooms for community meetings and houses various East Lothian Council Offices, including the Registrar's Office and Marriage Rooms. Brunton Hall was opened in 1971 by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (1900 - 2002). The building is named in honour of John D. Brunton, of the Brunton Wireworks, who died in 1951 leaving a bequest of £700,000 to the people of Musselburgh. He wished the money to be used to provide community halls. The Town Council added further money to create a grander scheme which allowed them to bring their administrative offices together in one building.

The theatre was upgraded 1996-97, while the entire building was refurbished 2010-11 at a cost of £3.2 million.

The theatre is managed by East Lothian Council on behalf of Brunton Theatre Trust, which was established in 1994. The Theatre Trust commissioned Glasgow-based artist Deborah Campbell to design the stained-glass around the theatre. The design involves a sea theme featuring fish, creels, seaweed and waves.


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