NEW venues are being found for shows after the forced closure of performance spaces at The Brunton in Musselburgh following the discovery of "structural issues" within the roof.

The Brunton Theatre Trust, which runs the attraction, is finding alternative venues for events thanks to the support of performers, audiences, East Lothian Council and local partners.

Last week, the organisation was hit by the "devastating news" that its performance spaces had to shut with immediate effect for structural surveys.

READ MORE: Musselburgh: 'structural issues' force closure of Brunton theatre hall

It was confirmed, following a planned roof inspection, that structural problems had been detected on the theatre's roof causing a temporary closure of the auditorium.

A roof survey got under way at other points of the theatre's roof and Venue 1 was also closed until further notice.

The theatre, located on the town's Ladywell Way, regularly hosts film screenings, theatre productions and comedy among other entertainment. It confirmed that no shows would go ahead at The Brunton until at least June.

READ MORE: The Brunton closed for all performances until June; shows rescheduled

However, the programme of events has not been cancelled, with the trust working hard to source and set up other venues for events within Musselburgh and close by.

This weekend sees Rob Kingsley return to Musselburgh with A Vision of Elvis.

This sold-out concert will now be performed at Musselburgh Grammar School on Saturday, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. The Bistro at The Brunton will be open for pre-concert dining, with complimentary transport taking diners to the concert afterwards if required.

The trust’s popular Bite-sized Concerts at Lunchtime series will be housed at Northesk Church, across the road from The Brunton.

Several local dance company shows are now taking place at Loretto School Theatre.

Other venues will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.

'Working as quickly as we can'

Michael Stitt, trust chairman, said: "The Brunton’s programme of events is happening.

"We are asking audiences to please bear with us as we make arrangements for our events. We are working as quickly as we can.

"As this situation came about without any warning, some of our events this week have had to be rescheduled to new dates and we will update our customers as soon as we can confirm where and when they will be.

"We are so grateful for the support and understanding shown by the performers booked to come to The Brunton.

"Brunton Theatre Trust has a long history of staging professional arts and entertainment events out and about around East Lothian, and we are now working with our partners to ensure that the shows will go on.

"Whilst we are devastated at the temporary loss of our space at The Brunton, we are feeling very upbeat about sourcing alternative venues for our programme."

The Brunton’s performance spaces are within the larger Brunton Hall, which is still open for council services and the trust’s box office. The Bistro at The Brunton is also still open for business.

Rob Kingsley said: "I have been performing sold-out A Vision of Elvis concerts at The Brunton in Musselburgh for a number of years now.

"I’m from East Lothian and I love coming back home. There was no way I was going to disappoint my fans and I’ve been working behind the scenes with the staff of Brunton Theatre Trust to make this happen.

"We are going to have an amazing show this Saturday at Musselburgh Grammar School and are asking people support us to make this happen – we don’t want to cancel shows!"