Latest news with #MarkAlexander
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Theatre Royal in Dumfries in fight to avoid programme cuts
Scotland's oldest working theatre has launched a fundraising campaign in a bid to avoid making cuts to its Guild of Players - the charity which owns and runs the Theatre Royal in Dumfries - needs £30,000 to maintain its offering this said grant funding was "increasingly difficult" to obtain while it faced rising costs for national insurance, energy bills and is now launching a "Keep Theatre Live" campaign to ensure its full programme of entertainment and workshops can continue as planned. The Theatre Royal first opened in 1792 and flourished for more than a the advent of cinema saw it struggle for a role and - after being used to screen films, hold auctions and even host roller-skating - it closed completely in was when the Guild of Players acting group - formed in 1913 - stepped 1959, its home was earmarked for demolition and it looked around for new premises with the Shakespeare Street property proving the perfect has run the site since then - with a major overhaul completed in 2015. However, it now faces a struggle to keep delivering its planned broad guild receives support from a number of organisations but director Mark Alexander said the failure to secure Creative Scotland multi-year funding earlier this year had been "disappointing"."We are determined to work through the challenge - as we did during Covid," he addition to the fundraising campaign, the guild said there were a number of other ways people could support the theatre, including buying tickets to a show, making a one-off or regular donation or becoming a corporate sponsor.
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
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.
eNCA
15-05-2025
- Sport
- eNCA
Tributes pour in for former Bok wing
JOHANNESBURG - Tributes are pouring in for Cornal Hendricks who died at the age of 37. The former Bok wing died of a suspected heart attack on Wednesday. Saru President Mark Alexander says he wore the green and gold with distinction. Meanwhile, his former franchises, the Bulls and Cheetahs have also paid their tributes.
Irish Times
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Former South Africa winger Cornal Hendricks dies aged 37
Former South Africa winger Cornal Hendricks has died at the age of 37. SA Rugby said in a statement that Hendricks suffered a heart attack on Wednesday evening. Hendricks, who made his Test debut against Wales in 2014 and won 12 caps for the Springboks , was diagnosed with a serious heart condition 10 years ago and retired from professional rugby. But he returned to the game after receiving a second medical opinion and spent five seasons with the Pretoria-based Bulls. READ MORE Bulls rugby director Jake White said: 'Many people were shocked and sad when his career was cut short in 2015. 'When we had the opportunity to get him back on the park, he took that with open arms and made a remarkable use of his second lease in professional rugby. 'We all witnessed him leave no stone unturned as he inspired his team-mates and the South African community through his story of hope and courage. 'It was a privilege and honour to have been his coach, a fantastic role model for the next generation and his appetite for life was infectious. Rugby has lost one of the good ones.' SA Rugby president Mark Alexander added: 'Cornal was one of those players who loved the game and he worked extremely hard, but he always did so with a smile on his face, treating all people with respect. 'His energy and love of life, on and off the field, lifted his team-mates and those around him. His contributions to the sport and his unwavering dedication will always be remembered.'
CNA
15-05-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Former South Africa winger Hendricks dies at 37
Former South Africa winger Cornal Hendricks has died at the age of 37 due to a heart attack, South African Rugby said on Thursday. Hendricks, who played in 12 tests for South Africa and scored five tries, was also part of their sevens team when they won gold in the World Games in 2013 and the Commonwealth Games in 2014. A heart condition had forced him to retire in 2015, but he returned to the sport in 2019 and played in a total of 233 first-class matches in a professional career spanning more than 17 years. 'We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Cornal Hendricks, a remarkable athlete who represented his country in sevens and fifteen-man rugby with distinction," SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said in a statement. "Cornal was one of those players who loved the game and he worked extremely hard, but he always did so with a smile on his face... our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Stephaney and their children, his family, friends, and teammates."
