MSP ‘horrified’ at theatre crisis

Former Education Secretary Michael Russell has said he is “horrified” after an arts organisation on Mull unexpectedly made its three leading creative figures redundant.

Comar, established in 2013 with the merger of An Tobar and Mull Theatre, said in a statement yesterday a cut in Creative Scotland grant awards was to blame for the move.

Alasdair McCrone and musician Gordon McLean were among three creative directors to have been made redundant. They will now compete for a solitary position.

Acting chair of the Comar board, Norah Campbell, told the Dunoon Observer: “Having assessed the resources available to Comar and - after consultation with funders, board members and staff – the difficult decision was taken by the board to restructure to ensure Comar’s long-term sustainability.”

However actor’s union Equity called for the board of directors to resign for failing to provide an adequate business plan before making Mull Theatre artistic director McCrone redundant, despite being in receipt £416,666 funding per annum for three years.

Comar is the only arts organisation in Argyll and Bute to receive regular funding from Creative Scotland. It also receives funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Russell said on Facebook: “As the local MSP and a long standing supporter of Alasdair and Gordon and the company I am horrified . Something has gone seriously wrong at Comar despite the good funding settlement and I am happy to help the community set it right if I can.”

McCrone was told just three days into rehearsals of the company’s next show.

Lorne Boswell, National Official for Equity said it was a “stupid decision” and a new start was needed for the company.

“No credible theatre company would make their director redundant and then expect him or her to produce their best in the rehearsal room.

“The theatrical community will be slack jawed at the callous behaviour towards a respected colleague. This has been a deeply unpleasant time for those involved in the theatre on Mull. Theatre is made by dedicated, passionate individuals, not by robots.”

A Creative Scotland spokeswoman said: “Overall budgets are, of course, limited and we are supportive of Comar finding ways to ensure that their funding is applied in a way that enables the organisation to continue to produce and present great work for the people of Mull and beyond.”

A public meeting about the decision is to be held in Tobermory next week.