Former theatre director dies

Jun 24 2009 by Robert Mitchell, Wishaw Press

THE theatre director who was responsible for transforming Motherwell Civic passed away at his home in Coltness on Sunday, June 7, aged 61.

Alisdair Bayne was appointed Motherwell and Wishaw’s Theatre and Concert Hall director in 1971 at the age of just 23 and went on to bring some big names to the area.

Born and brought up in Glasgow, he went to drama college in the city after leaving Glenwood Secondary School in 1965. He took a year’s course on the technical side of theatre at the college.

He then joined the Citizens’ Theatre in 1966, working in stage management. In 1968, he toured Eastern Europe with the Citizens’ Theatre.

He turned to acting with the Citizens’ for a spell before taking a stage manager’s job in Perth in 1969. Mr Bayne was also stage manager of the popular Scottish TV series High Living for a short time before taking up his post in Motherwell in 1971.

During the 1970s, the Civic became something of an established favourite, not only with theatregoers but with folk looking for a night out in general.

It also developed a reputation as an extremely popular centre with people running functions, whether they were exhibitions, shows, dances or displays.

In short, under Alisdair, it became very much a civic centre – used by thousands of people whose interests cover an extensive field. Under Alisdair, the theatre and concert hall began to attract a large number of private functions.

Apart from dances, operatic societies and amateur dramatic groups began using the premises more regularly.

Whether your taste was for ballet, orchestral music, jazz or music hall comedy, the Civic provided it and Alisdair Bayne played a huge part in it.

During the 1970s acts like the Corries, Robin Hall and Jimmy McGregor, Billy Connolly, the Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Opera, Lex McLean and the Red Army Ensemble visited the Civic Centre.

It also hosted television transmissions such as Sing High Sing Low, the Moira Anderson Show, the Lena Martell Show, Songs of Praise and a live Hogmanay Show in 1976.

The success of Motherwell Civic Theatre was in no small part due to the hard work and enthusiasm of Alisdair Bayne, who was associated with the theatre since May 1970, having worked as assistant director the year before he assumed the role of director.

He modestly denied having any great talent as an actor but his record in Motherwell proved his undoubted talent as a theatre manager.

Always conscious of the many different tastes in entertainment, he tried to cater for as many as he couldl, while at the same time keeping a wary economic eye on all the productions. He tried to keep prices at a level to suit the pocket of ordinary men and women but always remained mindful that the productions were indirectly paid for by the patrons, through their rates.

In an issue of the Wishaw Press in 1977, he said: “Every day, I wake up with different ideas. Some of them never get off the ground and of those we try, some are successful and others disappointing but always they widen the experience and give a guide for the future.”

One of his own special ideas was the Christmas pantomime. The idea originated between Alisdair and his good friend Phil McCall.

Both felt that there was a gap in the festive season which could be filled by a panto.

It was Alisdair’s job to sell the idea to Motherwell Council, who gave their approval.

The town’s pantomime was born in 1971 – and is still going strong today.

Creative Services Manager with North Lanarkshire Council Jillian Ferrie said: “Alasdair had a long association with Motherwell Concert Hall and he did a great deal to develop the venue. He will be missed by all of his former colleagues.”

Alasdair, who retired ten years ago as director of halls and theatre in Motherwell, is survived by his wife Janice.