The West Coast theatre in Ayr was shut down just under five years ago, with ticket sales slumping off significantly in the preceding years, according to the Herald Scotland.
Once the stage for the likes of Harry Lauder and Stanley Baxter, it spurred the creation of the Ayr Gaiety Partnership (AGP). With structural concerns with the art deco frontage also causing expense, however, the Signs did not look good for the century-old theatre.
Now, after new cash, new ideas and a raft of volunteers, the future of the theatre and the AGP look a good deal healthier. At the end of last year, the partnership announced it was now running at a profit.
Talking about the turnaround, the executive director of AGP, Jeremy Wyatt said:
"We have defied the critics and the doubters by celebrating yet another historic milestone in the theatre's 112-year history. This is a day that many people believed would never happen."
The success has come against many experts' opinions, thanks largely to close work with South Ayrshire Council, the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland. All have backed the partnership to the tune of millions of pounds.
It is the 100 plus volunteers that have made the real difference however, according to Wyatt, who continued:
"The local response has been fantastic.
"There is a turnover of volunteers but people keep coming forward. The scheme offers many a chance to gain valuable work experience."
A thriving theatre can only help the likes of local poster printing companies, which are likely to be called upon for promotional services.Get a Free Quote for Signs