Council signs off on funding for Cumbernauld Theatre saved from closure

North Lanarkshire Council has formally signed off its funding for Cumbernauld Theatre Trust after this was delayed due to a period of uncertainty about its future.

The council provides over £100,000 annually to support Cumbernauld Theatre Trust, with Creative Scotland another major backer.

However, last year the latter rejected the Trust’s application for funding for 2025-2028, creating a funding crisis until December when the Scottish Government announced it would provide a £150,000 grant, which may be repeated for 2027-2028.

With the future sustainability of the theatre now more stable, councillors have now formally approved the service agreement covering 2025-2026.

In 2021, the theatre moved to Lanternhouse, a purpose-built theatre in the grounds of Cumbernauld Academy, where the council oversees facility rentals by local groups, with technical support handled by the Trust.

During the funding crisis, the theatre trust reviewed its business model, bringing in a consultant to work with it. Several meetings took place between the Trust and the Council, which supported their efforts to fund a solution.

The Trust gained widespread support from the industry as well as local and national politicians, and also moved towards a professional receiving model which emphasises bringing events to Lanternhouse over in-house production.

Although the Trust has been advised of the possibility that its £150,000 grant can be repeated, this is subject to conditions which have not been detailed.

Creative Scotland’s Open Fund has also provided £100,000 for 2026/2027.

To monitor and review key elements of the council’s funding agreement with the trust, regular progress updates will be required, and a council representative will attend all of the Trust’s board meetings.

The report also praised the importance of visiting companies, with touring productions generating good levels of income and highlighting the importance of the venue to the community, as well as the cinema which hosts numerous popular screenings every year.