Scotland's oldest working theatre launches £30,000 fundraising campaign to avoid cutting programme
The Theatre Royal in Dumfries is seeking financial help after missing out on multi year funding from Creative Scotland.
Scotland's oldest working theatre has launched a £30,000 fundraising campaign as it bids to avoid cutting its 2025 programme.
The Theatre Royal in Dumfries, of which National Bard Robert Burns was a huge supporter, missed out on funding from Creative Scotland this year.
And that has led to it seeking financial help so the full programme of entertainment, workshops and participation can go ahead.
The Guild of Players – the charity which owns and manages the theatre – has launched a Keep Theatre Live crowdfunding campaign.
It is also seeking grant funding, but this is proving difficult to obtain, with rising costs such as national insurance, energy bills and materials adding to financial pressures.
Theatre director Mark Alexander said: 'We had disappointing news that we were not awarded Creative Scotland Multi Year Funding in February 2025, but we are determined to work through the challenge, as we did during Covid-19.'
A dedicated team of Guild of Players members have helped to reduce running costs by giving their time and skills to operate the theatre alongside the staff, with The Holywood Trust supporting the youth programme and the William Grant Foundation helping with general costs.
The Guild of Players is also planning fundraising events, with members putting on fundraising shows – including performances of The Wonderful Adventure of Oz and A Midsummer Night's Dream in June..
In 2024/25, nearly 20,000 theatre-lovers came through the doors for more than 140 public performances, with 380 workshops attracting a further 4,800 participants.
The theatre opened its doors in 1792 and Robert Burns, who lived just walking distance from the theatre, supported the initial fundraising by writing pieces to be performed on stage.
And the original stock scenery was painted by Alexander Nasmyth following his recommendation.
People can also show their support by going to a show, booking a theatre heritage tour and volunteering.
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