Two years on from the closure of Cumbernauld Cottage Theatre a brand new performing arts venue has thrown open its doors in the town.
The newly built Lanternhouse, jointly managed by North Lanarkshire Council and Cumbernauld Theatre Trust – a third sector arts charity, on the campus of Cumbernauld Academy welcomed invited members of the community through its doors for a special one-day celebration.
Councillor Jean Jones, Provost of North Lanarkshire was among those in attendance.
The Let The Light In event on Saturday, October 2 was a day of exploration, performances, and conversations, with tours and insights around the building, activities for families and children, and taster sessions from the theatre’s creative learning programme.
There was also an exhibition – Cumbernauld Through Our Eyes – featuring a photography project created by Nicola Stead working with local photographers, and a "sing-sational" performance, co-created and made with incredible local talent from Shakespeare’s Kids.
Founded over 60 years ago, Cumbernauld Theatre is one of Scotland’s oldest professional producing theatres which, with visiting companies, offers a year-round programme of events.
The modern venue boasts a 300-seat auditorium, a studio theatre, a cinema seating 84 people, a dance studio and a cafe.
Karen Moore, Chair of Cumbernauld Theatre Trust, said: “The Board is delighted with the response we have received from our community and partners on the opening of our new venue and the launch of our Autumn season.
“We would like to thank everyone who came along to enjoy the wonderful performances from Shakespeare’s Kids, the tours of the building and the activities within the performance spaces.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone through the doors of Lanternhouse in the not-too-distant future.”
The theatre company’s first season in the new venue offers theatre, dance, music and comedy with creative learning activities running alongside.
Tickets are currently on sale for productions including, Romeo and Juliet; Singing I’m no a Billy, he’s a Tim; Waves – the story of Olympic swimmer Elizabeth Moncello growing up in Australia in the 1930s; Hibernate for two to five-year-olds; Robin Hood – a Christmas show for families, and a host of other musical events.
For info and tickets, visit the Lanternhouse website.
