Dear Menzies Campbell:
Sir Sean Connery, 2001
“The new Byre offers the UK an exciting performance space which professional touring companies would be foolish to overlook.”
As you know, the refurbished Byre theatre has been the cultural hub of St Andrews in Scotland since its doors opened in 2001. But just it's been ruled that this week, in January 2013, its doors must close to performers and public alike, leaving this much-loved theatre dark and empty. Benefactors and creditors will be left unpaid, volunteers unthanked and hardworking staff are to lose their jobs.
The Byre has not only hosted hundreds of touring productions but is home to StAnza, Scotland's poetry festival, and the Fife Jazz festival, amongst other events, both of which will have to find alternative venues in St Andrews over the next few weeks. Its Youth Theatre and Playwrights Lab must find another home and local schools which use the facilities will have productions to rehouse.
"I am still trying to find a solution but none is in sight...", says the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. We urgently need to find a way to get the Byre back on its feet, the backing from Fife Council, Creative Scotland or an alternative source to fund the equipment and running costs needed. The signatories below are testament to the level of support our theatre has, both here in Fife and all over the world.
Please help the Byre Theatre open its doors again, and show your support by adding your name to this petition.
WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, CANNOT ACCEPT THE CLOSURE OF THE BYRE THEATRE, AND URGENTLY DEMAND THAT THE CULTURAL HEART OF ST ANDREWS BE RESTORED.
