CusickGallery.net: Henry Ian Cusick

Final curtain for Glasgow’s Ramshorn Theatre?

• Source: The List (Issue 653)
• Date: 31 March 2010
• Written by: Anna Millar

As the Ramshorn Theatre faces the threat of closure, The List questions the potential loss to Scotland’s creative make-up. Words: Anna Millar

Pressure is mounting for Strathclyde University to make a decision about the future of the Ramshorn, following the shock announcement that the theatre is to be closed. Credited with kick-starting the careers of Peter Capaldi and Lost star Henry Ian Cusick, the converted church-cum-community theatre in Glasgow’s Merchant City will be sold as part of wider cost saving plans for the University. Home to the Strathclyde Theatre Group (STG) since 1992, the group say they may have to disband if they lose their premises, and quickly received the backing of former student Cusick, who said of the Ramshorn: ‘It’s a place where anybody can go, a place that motivates and inspires. Without it, I certainly would not be where I am today.’

A Facebook group Save the Ramshorn Theatre from Closure (tinyurl.com/ramshorn) had already attracted over 1500 members.

Susan Triesman, director of drama at Strathclyde University and the STG’s artistic director, said the move could have a ‘detrimental effect’ on creative industries across Scotland.

‘These kinds of onslaughts on the arts are going to have a detrimental effect on the creative industries in Scotland. The theatre group is really a huge learning environment, even for people who have been in the business.’ While no official time scale has been put on plans, and Strathclyde University insist consultation will occur before anything is set in motion, some fear the theatre may face closure within two years.

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