The Stage

Wanamaker champions Mull Theatre

Published Tuesday 20 January 2004 at 12:55

Zoe Wanamaker has joined the Mull Theatre’s campaign to build a new £2.2 million venue on the Scottish island by becoming patron of the company.

Wanamaker said she was delighted to take up the position just as the management has applied to the Scottish Arts Council for lottery funding to allow the venue to move from its current home, a 43-seat cow barn.

She added: “The company has a deserved reputation for producing high quality theatre in a rural location and touring it throughout Scotland. Its work has graced many fine stages, not to mention village halls. Nevertheless, Mull Theatre has struggled financially and practically for many years, operating out of a converted cow-byre on shoestring funding.

“Now things are changing for the better and this project is an example of that. Building a new theatre on the island will bring tremendous opportunities to the whole community, especially to young people, and this is so important.”

A new theatre would ideally be on the waterfront at Tobermory, capital of the island of Mull, with 150 seats. It would contain a rehearsal room, meeting room, offices and could possibly boast a cinema and conference facilities.

Alasdair McCrone, artistic director, welcomed Wanamaker’s backing and said: “We are thrilled that Zoe has agreed to be a patron of Mull Theatre. This is a time of great growth and development in all areas of the company, following on from our three year revenue funding award from the SAC in 2002.

“We are actively seeking other patrons who would like to support the work of Mull Theatre. Endorsement such as Zoe’s and from our other patrons enables us to continue to provide quality, variety and service to the promoters and audiences around the highlands and islands and to a wider network of theatres and arts centres throughout Scotland.”