Corporate Sponsorship

Cumbernauld Theatre was founded in 1963 by local arts enthusiasts to bring culture to the North Lanarkshire New Town built to rehouse some of east Glasgow’s most deprived communities. Under the direction of Scotland’s arts and culture visionary Tom Laurie, the group established a community arts centre in a row of 18th-century cottages and went on to play a leading role in the community arts movement of the 70s and 80s.

This experience of working within the community helped shape the non-traditional, purpose-driven approach to theatre production and performing arts Cumbernauld Theatre is committed to today.

By portraying the lived experience of those in the community, encouraging theatre makers and performers to tackle contemporary issues, and inviting locals to be part of the creative process, Cumbernauld Theatre is making inclusive, diverse and empowering art that speaks for all.

Cumbernauld Theatre is based in the town’s purpose-built arts centre, Lanternhouse, which it has managed alongside North Lanarkshire Council since it opened in 2021. The venue houses a 272-capacity auditorium, 100-seat studio theatre, 83-seat cinema, dance studio and cafe.

Cumbernauld Theatre provides a platform for different art forms and encourages collaboration between disparate groups and performers to create experimental and socially engaged theatre.

Cumbernauld Theatre also programmes live comedy, and music spanning classical, contemporary folk, and new rock and pop bands, with regular visits from the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Dunedin Consort.

Seeking to address barriers to inclusion, Take Part gives children, young people and adult groups of all abilities and backgrounds the opportunity to work with professional theatre and performing arts practitioners to boost their confidence, develop social and creative skills, and open new career pathways.

98% felt involved in decision-making 
96% felt they were able to take part equally
96% felt pride in Cumbernauld
94% experienced a reduced sense of isolation
80% were left feeling positive or happy
64% learned to do something new

“This is the best drama class I’ve ever been to in my life” – Youth Theatre Participant

“The class tackles physical fitness on the surface but underneath it is tackling loneliness, loss of confidence, bereavement, illness, women’s health and so many other things” – Adult Dance Participant

With screenings that resonate across all ages and cultures, Lanternhouse Cinema’s community focus reflects the diversity of the area while providing a safe and welcoming place for all.

15,000-16,000 customers book around 26,000-27,000 live performance tickets and 16,000 cinema visits annually for themselves, friends and family members. Most theatregoers come from the Cumbernauld catchment of 55,000 people

Most age ranges are well represented, especially the over-55 and under-16 age groups, with outreach work taking place to develop relationships with those aged 18-35

Discounted tickets are available for those living in postcodes ranking highest for SIMD (Social Index of Multiple Deprivation) for a stigma-free approach to pricing.