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Proposed Entrance Elevation
Theatre is often considered synonymous with
London’s West End and the importance of local
provision is often underestimated. From village
halls to small theatres a network of people in
villages and small towns all over Scotland
choose productions, raise funds, publicise
events and attract an audience, frequently on a
voluntary basis. The level of audience
participation that these events can achieve is
very high and this places arts activity at the
heart of the community.
The past two decades has seen increasing
interest in the social benefits of cultural
participation. Around Scotland the many
festivals and community based celebrations of
local traditions show the power of participation
in strengthening communities. Participating in
cultural activities can have a number of
benefits, these may include helping people find
previously unrecognized talents, or raising
individual or community self esteem.
Cultural activity can also have significant
benefits for the local economy. Not only through
the direct economic benefits but also the
associated economic benefits through linked
activities such as additional visitor spend and
tourism. Audiences coming to a theatre will
enliven the surrounding area in the evening, and
provide regular custom for local bars and
restaurants, outside normal working and shopping
hours.
A recent study carried out by the Arts Council
found that the impact of regional theatre has
previously been undervalued. A study which
examined the economic impact of 308 theatres
found that investment in Culture produces a ten
fold multiplier of local public benefit.
Highlighting the fact that regional Theatre is
economically as well as artistically vibrant.
Significant investments have been made recently
to a number of Repertory Theatres, including The
Byre in St. Andrews, Dundee Rep and Pitlochry
Festival Theatre, all of which contribute to
raising the profile of Theatre outside the main
urban areas. However, significant investment is
also needed to secure the future of local and
regional theatre whose program of activities can
be significantly more varied.
Attitudes to culture and cultural policy are
changing and there is recognition that
investment in culture can produce a range of
benefits. This is evident in Angus Council’s
decision to make a significant investment in the
major refurbishment of the Webster Theatre. A
predominantly community based Theatre that
serves both Arbroath and the wider rural
community of Angus.
Webster Theatre works under way
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The Webster Theatre was developed from the
Webster Memorial hall, originally built in 1867,
and extensively refurbished for its opening as
the Webster Theatre in 1970.
It is used extensively by community- based
organisations, professional touring companies,
private sector promoters and for Angus Council’s
performing arts activities.
The theatre was badly in need of upgrading and
development, and work is currently underway in
order to turn it into a modern and viable
theatre.
There was no foyer in the Webster Theatre and
the audience went straight into the auditorium
before a show. Improving the overall theatre
experience was one of the primary objectives of
the proposed scheme, which involved improvements
to the provision of public spaces; including
creating an attractive and inviting entrance
area and foyer.
Proposed Foyer Bar
Alterations within the main auditorium are being
undertaken not only to refurbish and redecorate
the auditorium but to significantly enhance
sightlines, lighting, sound and acoustics. The
provision of disabled access has also been an
important consideration.
In order, to compete with other forms of
entertainment on offer it was necessary for the
Theatre not only to modernise but to expand. A
new studio space is therefore being created
within the existing Assembly room, which will
allow for an increase in the range and quality
of the productions the Theatre can present.
The work to the proposed theatre has also led to
the opportunity of improving the existing
streetscape. A grant was received from the
Townscape Heritage Initiative and this was
sufficient to fully fund the renovation of the
external stonework. The existing stonework was
badly eroded and spalling due to both the nature
of the original stone and inappropriate remedial
works carried out during the 1970’s.
The works commenced on site in May 2006 with the
Theatre due to re-open 20 months later. The
estimated capital cost of the project is £3.75
million.
Bell Ingram Design are delighted to be involved
as Project Architect for the Webster Theatre and
are currently working with Angus Council to
deliver a modern Theatre to benefit Arbroath and
Angus.
Susan Burness ARIAS
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