Tuesday May 26th 2026
Young panto performer Lexie Blance launches The Brunton Encore
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
From moving drama and stunning dance to inspiring community shows, laugh-out-loud comedy, and of course the much-loved panto – Brunton Hall in Musselburgh has brought it all to life on stage and kept audiences entertained for years.
2026 marks the 55th anniversary of Brunton Hall. To celebrate and commemorate, Brunton Theatre Trust is inviting everyone to share their favourite memories.
These stories will help create a lasting legacy, shaping the spirit and story of a brand-new building for the future.
To make sure these memories don’t get lost, Brunton Theatre Trust has teamed up with East Lothian Council’s Arts Service to create The Brunton Encore — a fun memory board designed to look like a theatre stage.
People are invited to come along and pin on their own memories.
The Brunton Encore will be on display in the foyer at Brunton Hall initially, before heading out to community centres across the county, so even more people can get involved.
Michael Stitt, Chair of Brunton Theatre Trust said:
“Brunton Hall has a truly special place in the hearts and lives of so many people in Musselburgh, East Lothian and beyond. From the passion and creativity on stage to big life moments and celebrations in civic spaces, the emotion and energy in our shared memories will help shape our new future home in Musselburgh.
“Whilst it’s sad to say goodbye to the building itself, The Brunton is still very much here – bringing great arts and entertainment (and that warm Brunton welcome!) to the Corn Exchange in Haddington and other venues across East Lothian, until we can return to a new home in Musselburgh.”
Councillor Colin McGinn Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure said:
“Brunton Hall has been such an important part of life in Musselburgh – a real hub for the community. It’s where friends met up for a blether in the Bistro, where babies were named, weddings were celebrated, and even bills got paid! And of course, it was home to both professional and community theatre for 55 years.
“The arts and the stories we share through them play such a big part in our wellbeing. That’s why The Brunton Encore is such a great way to look back, celebrate, and remember everything that’s happened within those walls.
The curtain might have come down on Brunton Hall for now, but all these memories and shared moments aren’t going anywhere – they’ll live on and help bring a new building to life in the future.”
Brunton Theatre Trust, better known as The Brunton, has been programming performances, events and films at Brunton Hall since 1994. For 30 years, it’s had the privilege of looking after the performing arts at Musselburgh’s much-loved Brunton Theatre. The theatre itself has been right at the heart of the community since it first opened in 1971, created as a space for everyone in the town to enjoy.
The Trust and East Lothian Council’s Arts Service would love to hear from people who remember special times catching up with friends at the Bistro, celebrating life milestones such as weddings, taking their first bow on a professional stage, experiencing theatre as part of a school trip, laughing along to festive pantomime, entertaining audiences, being part of the team that delivered amazing theatre productions, attending a civic event and more! Memories can be shared by pinning a slip on the board at Brunton Hall, Musselburgh initially, followed by different community locations in the county, later in the year.
From the rehearsal room to the main stage, young performers and talented community groups have always been at the heart of the building.
Lexie Blance, panto young chorus regular performer, recalls:
“Being on stage makes me feel really happy and confident. I loved coming to Brunton Hall for rehearsals and getting that buzz after a successful audition – especially performing alongside the hilarious panto cast. It meant so much having my friends and family there, feeling proud watching me on stage!”
Mark Becher, former member of Musselburgh Amateur Musical Association (MAMA) said:
“I have always loved performing in the theatre at Brunton Hall. Its unique, angular stage and auditorium meant that you always felt really close to the audience and could fully involve them in the show.
I will never forget the joy I had in performing in my first Brunton show (and in every one thereafter); the thrill of being part of such a colourful and successful musical; and the audience’s reaction and response to each performance, in the auditorium, at the stage door or in the bar afterwards – all key features of the Brunton experience! Here’s hoping that a new building comes to fruition as soon as possible so that the magic of theatre and performing arts can once again be enjoyed by generations to come!”
Panto is a big part of what The Brunton is known and loved for, which is why the Trust have made it a priority to continue to create fun and fabulous professional pantomime – presented for now, at the Corn Exchange in Haddington.
Professional actor and Brunton panto star, Graham Crammond said:
“Brunton Theatre in Musselburgh holds so many special memories for me, especially performing as the panto Dame over the years. A place full of creativity, laughter, and unforgettable moments. I feel really lucky to have been part of bringing that panto magic to Brunton audiences of all ages. Thankfully Brunton Theatre Trust is making sure the show still goes on. I can’t wait to be back with everyone at the Corn Exchange in Haddington for panto 2026!”
The legacy of Brunton Hall will live on – plans are being made to weave all the memories shared through The Brunton Encore into a new arts building for Musselburgh.
In the meantime, Brunton Theatre Trust (aka The Brunton) is still putting on brilliant shows, from theatre and dance to comedy and live music.
The Brunton’s top-quality arts and entertainment programme can be enjoyed at the Corn Exchange in Haddington and other venues across the county, until they return to a new home in Musselburgh.
For those unable to visit the board in person, messages can be added to a dedicated Celebrating Brunton Hall page on East Lothian Council’s Archives website https://www.johngraycentre.org/celebrating-the-brunton or emails can be sent to [email protected] .
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