Ayr’s Gaiety Theatre is set to reopen on Sunday, September 19, with a show made in just 48 hours.

The show, which is a brand new concept in participative theatre, will also act as a fundraiser, inviting the public to help design and shape the show by purchasing essential elements such as costumes, make up or musicians to be part of it.

‘Let’s Make A Show … in 48hrs’ will be directed by experienced theatre director Joe Douglas, whose directing works include Clear White Light, Death of A Salesman, Spoiling and The Cheviot The Stag and The Black Black Oil.

He will head up an experienced Gaiety team in creating something special for the long awaited reopening.

The cast will be revealed over the course of the preceding 48 hours with the whole process including performance rehearsals, backstage access, interviews and other snippets being livestreamed to offer a Big Brother style documentary of the makings of a show.

When the curtain rises, audiences will have the option to either attend in person or watch online.

Throughout September and October, the majority of their shows (unless otherwise stated) will operate with capped audiences as well as all other COVID safety precautions.

The emphasis is on fundraising after a tough closure period for theatres.

A number of fun and quirky options can be bought to support the theatre from buying some stage make-up for just £10 to donating £1,000 and receiving a whirl around the dressing rooms to meet the stars of the show.

Every pound raised for this new show has already been matched by a generous donor.

Jeremy Wyatt, Chief Executive Gaiety Theatre said: “It has been a long 18-month closure for The Gaiety and, like other theatres, this has been a difficult period to financially endure.

“We are delighted to be reopening and wanted to do this in a really special way, celebrating and involving our audiences, many of whom have been very much missing theatre.

“Having Joe on board is a real asset to this unique show and we are very grateful for the support of our donors from near and far. This 48hr show is yet another new venture for The Gaiety and we can’t wait to see what happens.”

With just a few weeks until the curtain rises now is the time to get involved. Visit thegaiety.co.uk to find out more or to make a special donation.

The theatre has been granted the use of Society Of London Theatre & UK Theatre’s ‘See It Safely’ mark, certifying that they are complying with the latest Scottish Government COVID-19 guidelines.