I was 12 when I joined Motherwell District Children’s Theatre. I’d already performed in theatres across Scotland, but it was at Motherwell Theatre, first with the Children’s Theatre and then the Youth Theatre, that I found my place in the world. The people in those groups and the staff in the venue encouraged and supported me an unbelievable amount, and it wasn’t just me. It was everyone who came through the doors.

On my 16th birthday I did my first shift there as a stage hand. Over the years I worked front of house, stage crew, box office, lighting and sound, and eventually became an arts worker, teaching the next generation of kids like me.

I’ve now been a professional actor and singer  for more than 30 years, and I kept performing in Motherwell, even while I was at drama school. Lots of us who came through those groups now work as performers or in the arts. We’re spread all over the world and we still keep in touch and hold reunions. That building made us an extended family.

Now it’s set to become a car park

Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre has been closed since September 2023, after RAAC was found in the roof.  On 19 October, North Lanarkshire Council approved plans to demolish it and replace it with an expanded car park.

Public money has gone into this venue, including a £6m refurbishment in 2010. Yet there is still no confirmed replacement venue ready to take its place.  Once it’s gone, there’s no getting it back, and the next generation of Motherwell kids could grow up without a stage of their own.

What I’m asking for

Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council: please halt the demolition of Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre until a new, purpose-built venue is approved and ready to break ground.

The more of us who sign, the harder this is to ignore. Please sign and share to protect the cultural heart of Motherwell.

Kevin Gillon, actor and singer.