Reconnect Theatres

Reconnect (SCIO) is a Scottish charity set up in 2017 to help evolve our nation’s cultural heritage. Scotland is rich in history and culture, and that culture needs to be both protected and allowed to flourish. The charity’s aims include utilising and, where needed, restoring historic buildings and landscapes to allow the public and communities access to those locations and to provide access to the reconnective arts, which include art, music, theatre, movement, holistic therapies and any other activity that helps individuals and groups reconnect with themselves and one another. Our long-term goal is to have our local communities run the individual destinations and be responsible for the direction of their historic and cultural assets while having the backing of the charity’s board and staff to support them to flourish sustainably and ethically. The Reconnect Regal Theatre is our first big project. Built-in 1938, this B-listed, art-deco-style former cinema was taken on by Reconnect in 2018. Since then, we have grown the popularity of the venue with locals and provide an exciting mix of professional and community programming. The Regal is in need of modernisation and restoration, so a comprehensive redevelopment is being planned to allow for the stable future of the venue, where it belongs in the heart of Bathgate. The redevelopment will include the reinstatement of the balcony and the restoration of the auditorium, opening the bar space, and adding a fly tower to attract professional touring theatre to the venue. This revamped 500-seat venue will be regional-sized while still serving local community needs. In 2023 Reconnect took over Howden Park Centre, another wonderful cultural hub in West Lothian. The venue offers a continuous programme of professional and amateur live performances in the theatre, including live music, pantomime, comedy, musicals, dance and much more.