Creative input

Joyce McMillan makes many good points about the parlous state of touring theatre in Scotland (Weekend Life, 14 September), but she omits mention of the most critical underpinning for successful touring: dynamic and impressive touring venues led by forward-thinking directors able to manage risk and build large and enthusiastic audiences for an adventurous programme of touring work.

This requires imagination and commitment from Creative Scotland and, critically, local authorities. Both are currently lacking in their approach and this now needs a fundamental rethink if we are to provide stages on which Scottish artists can perform across the country, reaching out to and connecting with audiences. Today, we have supply side provision that needs to be balanced with greater demand from touring theatres and their communities – only then will we be able to make sense of touring theatre once again.

John Stalker

Vanburgh Place
Leith, Edinburgh