Media Release: Benromach Single Malt to sponsor National Theatre of Scotland

THE National Theatre of Scotland is delighted to announce an exciting new sponsorship with Gordon & MacPhail, owner of Benromach Single Malt Whisky for the hugely successful award-winning production of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart at Òran Mór, Glasgow and the Ghillie Dhu during the 2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres, the Benromach Distillery is one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets.

Elly Rothnie, development director, National Theatre of Scotland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Benromach on board as sponsors for The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, marking the National Theatre of Scotland’s first partnership with the company.

“2011 is a milestone year for us as we celebrate five years of being Scotland’s national theatre and the partnership with Benromach is a wonderful birthday present.

“The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart is a terrific show that showcases some of Scotland’s finest contemporary artistic talent in the unique atmosphere of traditional Scottish pubs and we know it will provide a fantastic platform for the Benromach brand.”

This partnership represents Benromach’s first-ever arts sponsorship which in tune has enabled the National Theatre of Scotland to secure Arts & Business New Arts Sponsorship match funding; making it possible for Benromach to sponsor the show for its entire six-week run at Òran Mór in Glasgow and at the Ghillie Dhu for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The production received rave reviews earlier this year and Alasdair Macrae was a joint winner in Best Music and Sound categories at the 2011 CATS Awards.

The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart was created by David Greig (writer) and Wils Wilson (director), designed by Georgia McGuinness with music composed by Alasdair Macrae.

One wintry morning Prudencia Hart, an uptight academic, sets off to attend a conference in the Scottish Borders. As the snow begins to fall, little does she know who or what awaits her there. Full of haunting music and strange goings on… be swept along on Prudencia’s enchanting dream-like journey of self discovery, filled with magical moments, devilish encounters and wittily wild karaoke.

Inspired by the Border Ballads, the production will move and amuse as the peculiar twists in the tale unfold.

It is a time to share a lock in with the National Theatre of Scotland’s brilliant company of actors and musicians Andy Clark, Annie Grace, Alasdair Macrae, David McKay and Madeleine Worrall.

Commenting on the sponsorship, David Urquhart, joint managing director, Gordon & MacPhail, owners of the Benromach Distillery in Forres, said: “The National Theatre of Scotland is the perfect partner for Benromach.

“It is a pleasure to be associated with such an individual and artistic performance, which we feel reflects many of the distinctive qualities of the various expressions of our malt whisky.

“We look forward to the success of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart and to being able to share the secret of Benromach with the audience.”

Those attending the performance will be invited to sample Benromach 10 Years Old, Benromach Organic or Benromach Peat Smoke at the bar after the performance and will also receive a miniature of Benromach Traditional to take away.

Press contacts:

Liz Smith – Press Officer,The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart

daisy.ben@live.co.uk

Telephone: 0141 423 4374 mobile: 07971 417210

Andrew Neilson – Press Officer, National Theatre of Scotland

andrew.neilson@nationaltheatrescotland.com

Telephone: 0141 227 9497 mobile: 07912 540 139

Press images

Press images are available to download from www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/press

Please contact Liz or Andrew for a password

Notes to editors:

1. The National Theatre of Scotland is supported by the Scottish Government. Since its launch in February 2006, the National Theatre of Scotland has been involved in creating 137 update productions in 125 update different locations. With no building of its own, the company takes theatre all over Scotland and beyond, working with existing and new venues and companies to create and tour theatre of the highest quality. It takes place in the great buildings of Scotland, but also in site-specific locations, airports and tower blocks, community halls and drill halls, ferries and forests. The company has performed to almost 600,000 people, across three continents. www.nationaltheatrescotland.com

2. Benromach and the National Theatre of Scotland are committed to promoting responsible drinking messages within the sponsorship of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Scottish Government document ‘Alcohol Sponsorship Guidelines Scotland’.

3. New Arts Sponsorship grants: funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Arts & Business – aim to build private sector sponsorship of the arts.  The grants provide match funding for new arts sponsors, doubling their sponsorship benefits.

4. Arts & Business: Arts & Business (A&B) is the national charity dedicated to encouraging new and sustainable arts and business relationships. The New Arts Sponsorship grants scheme was launched in 2006, funded by the Scottish Government, run by Arts & Business Scotland and administered in partnership with Creative Scotland. Since 2006, nearly £1.7 million has been invested into the arts by Arts & Business Scotland through the New Arts Sponsorship Grants scheme. This figure has been more than doubled by the participating business sponsors making available an extra £3.8 million for arts activity throughout Scotland.

Booking details:

Oran Mor, Glasgow

Dates and times:Thursday 21 – Saturday 30 July, 8.00pm and Sunday 24 July, 4pm

Box Office: 0844 4771000 or on the door.

Online booking:  www.ticketweb.co.uk

Website: www.oran-mor.co.uk

Ghillie Dhu, 2 Rutland Place, Edinburgh

Dates and times:Tuesday 2 – Saturday 27 August, 3pm

Box Office: 0131 228 1404

Online booking: www.traverse.co.uk

MEDIA RELEASE posted by the National Theatre of Scotland. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.

Contact: Liz Smith
Phone: 07971417210
Email: daisy.ben@live.co.uk
Website: http://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com