New venue means show goes on

THE show will go on for Musselburgh Amateur Musical Association (MAMA) after the company found a new venue for its upcoming musical revue.

The group had been forced to postpone the scheduled performance, which had originally been due to take place at Portobello Town Hall this weekend.

MAMA cited rising costs and lower-than-anticipated ticket sales for the “difficult decision” to shelve M.A.M.A Spotlight Awards – a night of songs from the world of rock, film and musicals.

The company has now announced that the musical revue will be staged at Loretto School Theatre in Musselburgh next Friday (May 3) at 7.30pm and next Saturday (May 4) at 2pm and 7.30pm.

A MAMA spokesperson said that the group had been searching for a more permanent performance space since the closure of The Brunton in Musselburgh last year following a roof survey, and the rising costs of other venues in the area.

The group previously said that it had to provide technical infrastructure at Portobello Town Hall, such as staging, lighting and sound, as well as all the front-of-house staff, bar staff, ticket systems and box office, on top of rehearsals, learning words and music. The costs were said to be “triple” the cost of using The Brunton.

Becky Duncan-skelton, president, said: “We are delighted with the local support we have received from the Musselburgh community and past members of the company over the last few weeks.

“Loretto School Theatre have now been able to support us, while The Brunton remains closed, and we would like to thank the school for this.

“We have also received sponsorship from Belmont Group for our programme, and other sponsorship from The Compass School, Nectar & Pollen Floral, Leith Walk Police Box and Qwik Lube, all local businesses in the area, and we are so grateful for this.

“What has become clear to us through all of our messages is just how important The Brunton was to the people of Musselburgh, whether they were seeing theatre, dance, cinema or meeting friends.

“Musselburgh is a culturally poorer place without it and the community deserve the space to be open again.”

Members are now busy again rehearsing the show and thanked those who had bought tickets for supporting them. New tickets can be bought for £15 from mama-musical.

or by contacting a member of the company.