Stars back bid to keep Ayr Gaiety curtain up

Jan 23 2009 by Lisa Boyle

SOME of Scotland’s best loved entertainers were among the army of people who have vowed to fight for the Gaiety.

Johnny Beattie, Jack Alexander, and John Murtagh, star of Braveheart, were among the big names who lent their support to the Ayr theatre.

After the passionate meeting in the Holy Trinity Church last Wednesday evening, Johnny Beattie sent everyone home with an inspirational speech.

He said: “This is magic, it’s absolutely fantastic. I think it’s appropriate this meeting has been held in the church because you get the feeling there’s miracles in the air.

“I bet Mr Popplewell is smiling down on us all.

“The Gaiety enjoys iconic status in Scotland and this turnout would not happen for any other theatre. You’ve done yourselves and your town proud.

“There’s a real sense of optimism in the air. At long last we’re going to get something permanent in place for the future.

“There is a certain class about the Gaiety which makes it so special. I have a feeling this is the start of a new Gaiety. Long live the Gaiety!”

Jack Alexander has performed at the Gaiety with his brother Tom scores of times over their 50 year career.

Jack now lives in Ayrshire with his wife, Lil, who was also at the meeting to show her support for their local theatre.

After the meeting, Jack told the Post: “I thought the meeting was very enlightening. I’m more optimistic about the Gaiety’s future now than I was before.

“A lot of good ideas have been put forward.

“I love playing at the Gaiety. It has a great warmth other theatres don’t have.

“I felt that right from the start, I always said ‘I like it here.’ It’s one of my favourite theatres in Scotland.”

John Murtagh has starred in hundreds of stage productions as well as television programmes and films.

John starred as Lochlan in the Hollywood blockbuster Braveheart and as Referee in Rob Roy.

Most recently, he shared a dressing room with Johnny Beattie when he starred in the BBC soap River City.

John said: “I really feel there is a will on the part of the council to find a solution.

“I love the Gaiety theatre. It’s such an important part of the culture of this town.

“It’s wonderful to see everyone here today, I flew up from London especially for this meeting. It was worth it.

“You are talking about the cost to keep the Gaiety open but what is the cost for jailing a young person when they start picking up kit, getting into drugs, and getting involved in crime because they are bored and there is nothing in the town to get involved in?”