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Alhambra Theatre hopes to double opening nights after council funding

The Alhambra Theatre.
The Alhambra Theatre.

Councillors have agreed to give funding to a Dunfermline theatre that brings nearly £5 million to the local economy.

City of Dunfermline committee members unanimously agreed a £75,000 funding package for the Alhambra from the town centre budget after hearing a recent economic impact assessment had concluded it added £4.9m to the night-time economy every year.

Describing the theatre as a “cornerstone of Dunfermline’s evening economy”, area services manager Joe McGuinness pointed out there was no doubt that its very existence supported a range of associated town centre businesses.

“If Dunfermline is to achieve its ambition of becoming a top performing visitor destination it needs to have a strong and vibrant arts and culture offering,” his report added.

The funding will match the Alhambra’s successful application to Fife Council’s recurring grants scheme.

Due to competing pressures and diminishing resources, the scheme could only offer £75,000 and while providing some comfort, it could not provide the security needed to allow the theatre to consider a viable expansion programme.

The Alhambra is a number one touring house, able to accommodate even the biggest shows. More than 100,000 people saw shows there in 2012.

But the theatre feels with extra funding for staff to be put in place it could achieve a 100% increase in the number of nights it operates, potentially bringing in 200,000 theatre-goers every year.

It could also develop its ambitious summer and stage school programme to allow more youngsters to participate.

Councillor Brian Goodall praised the Alhambra for its hard work and quality entertainment, all done without any financial assistance from the local authority.

Councillor Billy Pollock said he would like the theatre and the Carnegie Hall to work closely together rather than competing for audiences.

Pleased with unanimous backing, committee chairwoman Helen Law said: “It is important they work together to get as many visitors as possible.”