Cumbernauld Theatre says it cannot stage key event at Christmas

The news is not entirely surprising as no date for the opening of the new facility on the campus of Cumbernauld Academy has materialised.

Now management have confirmed that the festive favourite sadly cannot take place this year.

A theatre spokesperson confirmed: “Due to the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Scottish Government’s four-phase plan for easing the lockdown while exercising social distancing with reduced capacities for venues, the Board of Cumbernauld Theatre Trust has reluctantly taken the decision not to produce Christmas shows this year.”

However it has emerged that the position vacated by previous artistic director Ed Robson has been filled - in a temporary joint role for two successful candidates

The spokesperson added: ”We recruited for the position of an Artistic Director in Residence for 2019-20, and a collaborative team comprising of Eve Nicol and Paul Brotherston were recruited.

“However, due to Covid-19, the position did not commence and therefore remains unfilled.

“Eve and Paul are on hold for the commission for 2021. It is expected that community consultation and engagement in taster activities will steer a new artistic policy which will be a framework defining any future artistic directors focus within the role.”