Eden Court Theatre and Cinema has announced the opening programme for the venue.

In a special presentation taking place today, Colin Marr, Director of Eden Court announced not only the opening date but also the programme for the launch season.

The announcement comes following a two year construction period that has seen the Highlands only large scale theatre transformed into the biggest and best arts venue in Scotland.

Colin Marr said,

‘Eden Court has always been many things to many people.  Because of this we decided that when we reopen, that rather than just have one opening show we felt we would like to have a full season of many fantastic events.  We wanted something that would appeal to everyone.’

Beginning on 3 November 2007 a series of world class entertainers will appear at the Eden Court for a spectacular opening season:

• The venue’s doors closed on 4 June 2005 when traditional music legends Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain had a storming night.  Fittingly, when doors reopen on 3 November the duo will take up where they left off as the opening act.

• They are followed by outstanding comic superstar Lenny Henry.  He is joined in the opening week by Irish comic Ardal O’Hanlon.

• Between these two comedians, the Scottish Symphony Orchestra will be launching the classical concert season featuring all three of Scotland’s national orchestras and the world famous Academy of Ancient Music.

• Throughout November, leading up to December the events continue with Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, Blazin’ Fiddles and the Mod champion Gaelic choir, Failte.

• Following a break of over four years Scottish Opera will return to Eden Court with The Barber of Seville and A Night at the Chinese Opera.

• Finally, a winter season at Eden Court would not be complete with the traditional family pantomime.  Tickets for Peter Pan are already well established having been on sale since March this year.

• In addition to shows and performances in 850 seat auditorium, the new Eden Court will see the launch of two state-of-the-art cinemas with superbly comfortable seating, crystal sharp vision and digital surround sound.  Cinema doors open on 15-18 November with the 2007 Inverness Film Festival and cinema audiences will be able to enjoy many Scottish film premieres, special guests, workshops, and themed screenings.

• Following a two year search for a contemporary Scottish musical in collaboration with theatrical impresario Sir Cameron, the world premiere of The Sundowe will be the opening event for the newly constructed theatre at Eden Court.  Following a three week run at Eden Court, this wickedly funny musical will then embark on a Highland-wide tour. 

• Finally, offering the first professional dance and drama education studios in the Highlands visitors will be able to participate in and enjoy a full series classes, events and activities for all ages and abilities.

At the presentation, Douglas Yule, Chair of the Eden Court Board of Governors said

‘The people of the Highlands will now have access to the very finest arts facilities available.  Not only will they be able to experience the very best in theatre and cinema entertainment, they will also be able to enjoy new galleries, exhibitions, fantastic bar and restaurant facilities and for the very first time be able to visit the Bishop’s Palace, one of the most important historical buildings in Inverness’.

Although construction work began on Eden Court in November 2005, planning and preparation began many years before.  Eden Court consisted of two unique buildings on a Grade A listed site. A third building with the new theatre, cinemas and studios has now been added along with a new dressing room block.

Construction on the Eden Court development has been carried out by Elgin-based company, Robertson Construction Northern.  Joining Colin Marr and Douglas Yule announcing the reopening date of the venue was the company’s Executive Chairman, Bill Robertson.

Bill Robertson said,

'Working on Eden Court has proved a fascinating project. It has been a rare combination of new build, repair work, restoration and refurbishment. Robertson Construction Northern is proud to have the knowledge and experience required to undertake such a challenging development. We are delighted to have been involved with such a prestigious project and play our part in creating such a wonderful cultural asset for the Highlands for generations to come.

'We wish Eden Court the very best with its opening season and beyond.’

30 August 2007

For further information please contact Victoria Stuart on 01463 239841 or vstuart@eden-court.co.uk.  For further information on Robertson Construction Northern please contact Jacqui Donachy, Account Director at Beattie Communications, 01698 787843, or 07730 415028. 

Ends.
Eden Court launch and press conference – 30 Aug. 2007

Additional notes
Introduction
In November 2005 we announced that Robertson Construction Northern Ltd had been appointed as the construction contractor for the development of Eden Court. 

To enable this building work Eden Court entered a temporary period of closure.

In exile programme
During this time we presented events, performances and film screenings ‘in exile’.  Over a 22 month period we presented 231 performances in over 40 venues covering the whole of The Highland Council area from Wick to Kingussie and from Skye to Nairn - attracting an audience of over 50,000. The cinema relocated to a semi-permanent site in the Screen Machine 1 and this was based outside the Floral Hall.  Our Arts Education work across the Highlands continued largely uninterrupted.

Eden court before we closed
Prior to this temporary closure Eden Court had become a phenomenal success:
• In our last full year of operation we sold over 160,000 tickets.

• The audience had grown by over 40% in seven years.

• We attracted a higher proportion of our population than any other theatre in Britain.
 
• The audience travel further than for any other theatre in Britain - an average of 55 minutes of travel.

• We had been financially stable for a decade.

• We were responsible for an economic impact1 of £3.5 million per annum throughout the Highlands.

• We offered and still do offer the biggest arts education programme in Scotland.

• We were and still are the only theatre in Britain to offer school level qualifications.

‘Unable to develop any further’

However, with this success, stability and growth Eden Court reached a point where it was operating at maximum capacity and unable to develop further.

• In its current state the venue was not able to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act (2004) with very limited provision for wheelchair access and no lifts in the building.

• Some areas of the buildings were in a very poor condition with sections even beginning to fall down.

• Audience members were frustrated with the facilities we were able to offer, such as limited toilets and unreliable air conditioning.

• Some performers were refusing to return to Eden Court because of the substandard dressing rooms.

• The poor conditions of the buildings were beginning to affect operations.

Doing nothing wasn’t an option and so the Eden Court capital project was created.

How the project has been funded

Following extensive development work, consultation and planning, the cost of the Eden Court project was established and announced in November 2005 as £19.7 million.

As building work progressed, the extent of the rot, structural movement and poor condition of the existing buildings became apparent.  Essential repairs had to be carried out and therefore the cost rose to around £23 million.

The development has drawn large amounts of public sector funding to the Highlands.

The principal funders for the project are:

• Scottish Executive    £5.90 million
• ERDF      £2.77 million
• Scottish Arts Council Arts Lottery Fund £2.41 million
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise  £3.06 million
• The Highland Council    £2.95 million
• Inverness Common Good Fund  £1.00 million
• Heritage Lottery Fund    £0.87 million
• Other       £1.54 million
• Eden Court Appeal    £2.20 million

The Eden Court Appeal has raised £2.2 million for the development; a remarkable sum which demonstrates the overwhelming public support for the project.

Included within the project is £8 million for the essential repair and refurbishment of the existing buildings owned by The Highland Council.

The new Eden Court serving the Highlands

When Eden Court reopens this autumn, the people of the Highlands will be able to enjoy the best arts and entertainment venue in Scotland.  The venue will open year round attracting performers, audiences and visitors to the Highlands.

Economic Impact

An independent source has estimated Eden Court’s Economic Impact on the Highlands 2009-2010.1 A further breakdown of this information is in the table below:

Direct Wage Expenditure by Eden Court Staff £706,500
Expenditure on Performer’s Fees £841,500
Expenditure on Other Supplies £922,500
Expenditure by Visiting Performers and Crews £727,500
Expenditure by Audiences from Outside HIE Area £247,500
Expenditure by Conference Delegates £2,550,000
Total Expenditure Impact £5,995,500
1Source: Sneddon economics and Heclas Consulting

Education and Outreach

The biggest and best Arts Education Service

We present the biggest and best arts education service in Scotland.

Last year there were over 95,000 attendances at our classes, workshops and activities.  The majority of these were by children and young people.

Of these attendances:

• 8,560 came from social inclusion areas
• 66,579 came from rural areas
• 76,544 were under 16 years old
• 18,529 were 16 to 24 years old

Out of Eden

Run in partnership with The Highland Council, Out of Eden has ten drama workers and two dance workers based within the communities they serve

This successful partnership with The Highland Council has been recognised by the Scottish Arts Council, with additional funding to expand the arts education provision to include the specialist fields of digital media and additional needs.

Inside Eden

We are the only theatre in Scotland to offer formal SQA Higher qualifications in Drama, Dance Practice and Intermediate II Drama.  Over 90 students have completed these courses with a pass rate of 98%.  Students on these courses study in their own time at weekends and during term holidays.

Participation in an arts education programme at any level has been shown to have a hugely beneficial impact on each individual’s self esteem and self confidence.

Within the new Eden Court, the two new dance and drama studios, the first of their kind in the Highlands, will enable the Education Department to expand and offer a full range of classes in drama, dance, music and movement and many more areas from early years, right through to seniors’ classes.  Classes will take place all day, every day and will provide something for everyone.

The opening date

Eden Court will re-open on 3rd November 2007.

Opening Season      Theatre events
Saturday 3 November     Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain
Tuesday 6 November      Lenny Henry
Thursday 8 November     BBC Scottish
Symphony Orchestra

Friday 9 November      Ardal O’Hanlon
Wednesday 14 - Saturday 17 November   Scottish Opera:
Wednesday14 November     The Barber of Seville
Thursday 15 November  The Barber of Seville (with an ‘unwrapped event’)
Friday 16 November      The Barber of Seville (with a ‘touch tour’ and audio description facilities)
Saturday 17 November     Seraglio
NB. In 2007-08 Scottish Opera is launching a subscription series with the opportunity to enjoy four operas for the price of three.  This season consists of the operas in our launch season and the following: 11 June - Falstaff (with an ‘unwrapped’ event)
12 June – Falstaff, 13 June - A Night at the Chinese Opera and 14 June - Falstaff
Wednesday 21 November     Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
Thursday 22 November    Blazin’ Fiddles
Friday 23 November      Failte
Saturday 24 November     Inverness Choral Society –
Haydn’s Creation
Sunday 8 December   The Nurses Carol Concert
in aid of the ClicSargent charity
Friday 13 December     Scottish Ensemble

The Sundowe

Thursday 29 November     Public preview
Friday 30 November     World premiere of The Sundowe and official opening of the second theatre.
Friday 30 November – Saturday 15 December  The Sundowe
The Sundowe will then embark on a Highland-wide tour – dates to be announced soon.

Thursday 6 December – Saturday 5 January 2008 Panto - Peter Pan

Cinema launch event

Thursday 15 -- Sunday 18 November   The Fifth Inverness Film Festival

Studios launch event

Sunday 11 November     Arts Education Studios
Open Day

After Christmas and coming soon…
Wednesday 23 – Saturday 26 January   Scottish Ballet - The Sleeping Beauty
Friday 1 & Saturday 2 February    Craig Hill
Sunday 8 June      Paul Merton
Tuesday 17 & Wednesday 18 June    NDT2

Future Launch dates

Monday 3 September – Meet the cast of Peter Pan
Monday 19 September – Scottish opera season launch

Coming soon

Details of the studio classes and education programme
Details of the cinema programme
Further details of The Sundowe and the BBC documentary transmission dates