Culture matters – and it matters more than ever.

The long closure of the Adam Smith Theatre for a complete transformation hit home for the many groups which see it as their home, and folk who eagerly await its seasonal brochures to book shows.

It’s incredible to think the last time I was at a show at the venue was November 2019 when we hosted our annual Raith Rovers’ Hall of Fame show, complete with Tony Adams, currently starring in Strictly.

It started when myself and three pals had an idea to stage a show celebrating Raith Rovers’ greatest players.  It happened because the Adam Smith Theatre team took a punt despite the fact we’d never staged an event like this before, and had no money. It’s now the venue’s fastest selling show since the Big Yin hit the stage.

Every year I stand in the wings listening to the waves of laughter which roll from the back row down to the stage.

It’s a sports night, for sure – but it is also the only event of its kind to be staged in a theatre.

Bringing those worlds together creates an event that is rich with memories and special moments. It generates a new audience for the veue too, and re-introduces people to a building they’ve passed almost on a daily basis.

That melting pot of creativity needs to sit at the heart of the Adam Smith Theatre from the moments its doors open next summer.

A town like Kirkcaldy needs a thriving, accessible cultural centre – I’d argue it is more essential than ever in these dark times.

Only the creative sector can light that spark, and give people a place not only to see the best shows, but be inspired.

Those creative connections can fizz in all manner of directions – sending young musicians to open mic slots, others to start writing, designing, creating, or forming exciting collaborations.

The transformation of the Adam Smith Theatre into a cultural hub gives it a place where they can all come together.

The building will be amazing, but it’s what we do inside it that will make a real difference.

Those traditional stone walls need to buzz with activity and vibrancy like never before.

And in Fife, it has a fantastic creative sector just waiting to get started in superb new surroundings.

So, June 2023 needs to begin with a bang – a real ‘wow’ factor that underlines the Adam Smith Theatre is back, and more dynamic than ever.

Let’s be bold and imaginative in programming, let’s throw open the doors to all to help bring their creative ideas to life, and let every space within this grand old building teem with ideas.

Do that, and this hub will ripple across the town and far beyond.

Allan Crow

Editor, Fife Free Press

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