“Dial M for Murder” has been one of the highlights of the Spring Season at Ayr Gaiety, and it was a case of “Dial S for Success” when South Ayrshire Councillor Robert Campbell joined cast members to congratulate them on their performances.

Councillor Robert Campbell is the convener of the Council’s Economic and Tourism Development Committee which has a remit that includes the Gaiety Theatre and the Theatres Member Officer Working Group.

He paid a visit to the theatre to specially congratulate the cast, including leading man Steven Pinder for their performance in “Dial M for Murder” before the cast took part in one of the final performances in Ayr.

And as well as the success of the show, Councillor Campbell was at the theatre to congratulate theatre management and staff on the success of the theatre itself during the past 12 months.

Said Councillor Campbell: “This is clearly a double celebration.

“The show has been touring major theatres throughout the UK for over seven months and we consider ourselves fortunate to be one of only two theatres in Scotland to have attached the production.

“Audience reaction has been very good with strong positive feedback and many commenting that it is good to see drama of this quality, type and scale return to the Gaiety Theatre.

“I am delighted to express my appreciation to the cast for their highly impressive renditions of the roles they have played.”

At the same time Councillor Campbell took the opportunity to launch the Gaiety’s new Spring and Summer programme - which includes the "New Gaiety Whirl 2005" - and to congratulate the theatre manager and staff on the successful achievements of the Gaiety in the past 12 months.

Councillor Campbell explained: “This production of Dial M for Murder caps a year that has seen an increase in the number of big name artists appearing at the venue including Scotland’s premier variety artist Allan Stewart, who starred in the 2004 Summer Season; the return of the major musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; and the critically acclaimed Pantomime “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

“During the past year a total of nearly 87,000 people visited the theatre, with ticket income more than 35% higher than two years ago.

“The increase in audience level is clear evidence of the success of the support by South Ayrshire Council for the cultural provision within the area, and the Council’s continued investment in developing the Gaiety Theatres programme.

“This we have done for the benefit of those who live and work in the area, and for tourists and other visitors”.

Theatre Manager Paul Pomfret said: “I am delighted that the achievements of the theatre in the past year have been commented on by Councillor Campbell.

“The collation of audience figures and income for the past year has produced excellent results. I would like to acknowledge that this is due to the continued developments at the theatre, and this in turn has only been possible by the hard work of all those involved in, and with, the Gaiety Theatre.”

Under the watchful eye of Steven Pinder Councillor Robert Campbell dials 'S' for Success.

April 2005