ROWAN Tree Theatre Company pioneered the now thriving arts scene in the Borders when it was founded by Judy Steel, John Nichol and Janice Parker in 1987. They continued to be the driving force behind the company for many years and Rowan Tree played an integral role in turning the region from an area where “nothing happens culturally” to its present vibrant, powerful status as an area where the creative arts are flourishing.

Now, living and working in a changing world and challenging times, the theatre company has decided to call it a day - although it insists it will leave a legacy that will inspire future arts practitioners and theatre lovers.  That legacy highlights the company’s innovative concept of “chamber theatre” and its demand for high production standards, its encouragement of work reflecting Scotland’s rich cultural heritage, and its unparalleled record in touring to far-flung village halls and small theatres across the south of Scotland.  Indeed, the company’s popularity at these, and the regularity of its visits, has encouraged many village hall committees to upgrade their facilities to enable touring from other groups and also inspired them to promote the arts across the region.

Judy Steel, former Artistic Director Rowan Tree, said: “I want to thank everyone who was ever involved with the company for the support they gave me over the years. Nobody could have asked for more moral and practical help and they gave so much to me in terms of differing expertise, which allowed the fruition over the years of small masterpieces such as Willie Wastle, Fishtales, Wandering Willie’s Tale, Confessions of a Justified Sinner, Hermiston, The Ragged Lion, The Journey of Jeannie Deans, Sins of the Father and The Lasses, O.   “All of these were productions of totally new work (some based on classic Scots texts by Burns, Scott and Hogg) and all were well reviewed and received, the last-names receiving a prestigious CATS award for the best music during 2009.”  There were also distinguished productions of The Puddock an’ the Princess, Barry, Nancy Sleekit, The Herd of Standlan, and Not About Heroes.   Rowan Tree “brought on” young actors and technicians from the area, gave them opportunities early in their careers, and taught them excellence and attention to detail.

It is a matter of some pride that the up-and-coming actress Jessica Hardwick made her first stage appearance as a child in a Rowan Tree production.  Writers Allan Massie, Jules Horne, Tom Murray, Janet Paisley, John Carnegie, Judy Steel, John Nichol and present Lifelong Learning Minister, Andrew Allan MSP, have all had their work premiered by Rowan Tree. There have been two playwriting competitions, an exhibition and Rowan Tree’s work has been seen in South Africa and Canada.

Helen Currie, Chair Rowan Tree Theatre Company, said: “The Board has immense faith in Spoon, by Duncan Kidd, the final project and winner of the second playwriting competition which has still to come to fruition. We believe in the play’s potential and in its author as a future 'voice’ of originality and lyricism and another lasting legacy to Rowan Tree.” A pretty good record for a company whose support from the Scottish Arts Council over nearly 30 years consisted of a few small grants under Awards for All.

Above all, it is all the loyal audiences and sponsors, particularly the Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust and Stobo Castle, who made this impressive programme of work possible, as well as the support of the Arts development department of Scottish Borders Council within its limited resources.

As the Duke of Buccleuch hosts an evening to celebrate that immense achievement over 25 years and to bring down the curtain on Rowan Tree, Helen added: “It has been an amazing achievement, and Rowan Tree is bowing out on a very positive note, leaving the arts scene in the Borders thriving, and building on what we started. The evening of celebration will be poignant, but ultimately positive and celebratory for all that has been achieved.”