Scotland's oldest working theatre launches £30,000 fundraising campaign

THE THEATRE ROYAL IN DUMFRIES IS SEEKING FINANCIAL HELP AFTER MISSING OUT ON MULTI YEAR FUNDING FROM CREATIVE SCOTLAND. 15:16, 20 May 2025 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. READ MORE: Dumfries shoppers encouraged to have their say on £17 million Sainsbury's

plansREAD MORE: Teenage paddleboarder treated for hypothermia after being rescued off Scottish coast 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.” Article continues below 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. Click here for more news and sport from Dumfries and Galloway. 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. Article continues below And the original stock scenery was painted by Alexander Nasmyth following his

recommendation. The crowdfunding campaign can be supported here. People can also show their support by going to a show, booking a theatre heritage tour and volunteering.