South Ayrshire Council News

The temporary closure of the Gaiety in Ayr is to be delayed until 2009. This means that the theatre will remain open and fully operational until 31 January 2009.

South Ayrshire Council previously commissioned CRPG (a specialist company in updating and renovating theatres) to carry out an examination of the theatre and to produce an accurate report on all areas of the auditorium and stage areas.

In November 2007 the Council announced that the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr would close temporarily as from 31 March 2008. This was so that the theatre could be examined and a report detailing any building work or necessary improvements to meet modern operating demands and health and safety standards compiled. The consultants’ report will be presented at a future Leadership Panel.

Councillor Margaret Toner, Depute Leader of the Council and Portfolio Carrier for Community Services said: “I am extremely happy that the Gaiety is now to remain open until 31 January 2009, it is a superb facility that local people and visitors to the area enjoy.

“The theatre celebrated its centenary in 2002 and buildings of that age need to be constantly maintained and monitored to ensure that they are in good working order. The temporary closure has been delayed and the Council will have time to ensure a full programme is available in the theatre. It will be able to accommodate bookings that take place during the popular Septembayr festival later this year and also during next January during the Homecoming celebrations.”

The Council will now develop a programme of entertainment in the Gaiety until the temporary closure in January 2009. Employees are pursuing options to ensure that a Christmas pantomime or a festive themed show is booked.

The Gaiety Theatre has a total of 584 seats on three separate levels that have been used by local people and visitors to the areas for over 100 years. There have been a number of changes made to the theatre since it was built including an extension, refurbishment, wheelchair access, infra-red sound system for the hearing impaired, a café bar and studio.

Local groups or organisations who wish to book the theatre or other facilities in the Gaiety should contact Paul Wilson on telephone number 01292 612215 or by e-mail at Paul.Wilson@ea.sayr.sch.uk