CENTRAL SCOTLAND SNP MSP JOHN WILSON WELCOMES FUNDING FOR NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND
John Wilson, SNP MSP for Central Scotland, has welcomed the news that the National Theatre of Scotland is to receive £4.49 million from the Scottish Government in 2009 -10, as confirmed by The Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, Linda Fabiani.
Following answers to questions in the Parliament last week Mr Wilson said:
“The success of the National Theatre production of “Black Watch” and the subsequent international acclaim following the tour, partly funded by the Scottish Governments international touring fund, is testament to the incredible work of the National Theatre. The fact that the National Theatre of Scotland earned enough at the box office from an audience of more than 26,000 in 2008 to cover all its direct costs for the extended “Black Watch” tour is a great international Scottish Success story. I wish the theatre company well in 2009, especially on the previews and run of “Be Near Me”, the story of a priest who goes to Ayrshire in search of himself. The play was adapted and stars Ian McDiarmid and is based on a Booker Prize nominated novel by Andrew O’Hagan and with such a strong, talented Scottish pedigree is sure to be another spectacular success.”