JUST last summer, the atmosphere at Ayr's famous Gaiety theatre was darker than the inside of Dracula's coffin.

But now the sun has broken through, and the famous stage, closed for four years, is open again for summer fun.

The Gaiety is offering a number of attractions. Classic folk duo Alastair McDonald and Arthur Johnstone play later this week, cult comedy play Still Game is staged later in the month, and stand-up comedian Fred Macaulay will perform his new Edinburgh Festival show in a special preview.

The 100 year-old seaside theatre, once home to the likes of Stanley Baxter, Jimmy Logan and Allan Stewart, has had its problems in recent years, due to lack of funding.

However, executive director Jeremy Wyatt revealed that thanks to 'an army of volunteer helpers,' the Gaiety is alive and well.

"We've got a team of volunteers that are working for the theatre doing a variety of jobs," he said.

"We've got people working in all sorts of areas, from box office to front of house, from stage rigging to lighting.

"Thankfully, we have older people on board with great skills who love working in theatre, and we've got young people whom we are training up. And with their help we're keeping the Gaiety running."

The 100 or so Gaiety helpers are saving the theatre between £200-£300,000 a year. Part of the previous problem the Gaiety had was in bringing in the box office revenue which would pay for the running costs.

Jeremy added: "We've got a good working model now. And it doesn't look as though we're going to run out of volunteers. We've got a list of local people who are looking to become involved. And that's fantastic."

The Gaiety is also backed by South Ayrshire Council, with £150,000 a year going into the running costs. And Creative Scotland are also supportive, helping with the capital programme.

Jeremy said Creative Scotland has backed the Gaiety vision by earmarking almost £1.2million towards the next stage in their restoration project.

He added: "Other funders have also promised a further £400,000, but release of the money is dependent on us matching the finance through our own fundraising efforts.

"In effect, for every £1 we raise we can generate funding of £4, turning every pound into a fiver."

The Gaiety, which has undergone a £1.5million refurbishment, has also had a successful panto season, with 90% of seats sold. And the Studio Theatre upstairs, which seats 150, has been home to Oran Mor's Play, Pie and a Pint theatre shows.

"The idea of bringing shows down from Glasgow has really worked," said the theatre boss.

"It gives the people of Ayr the chance to see some great lunchtime theatre and they've really embraced the idea.

"That's not to say we can rest on our laurels. There's still a lot of hard work to be done. But we're hopeful if we bring in the right sort of shows, we can see the Gaiety become great again."

There is clearly a variety of entertainment on offer. Still Game, Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill's classic stage comedy, stars John Love, Christopher McKiddie and Gary Miller.

And Scotland's dynamic professional opera company, Opera Bohemia, presents Giacomo Puccini's romantic tragedy La Bohème, starring Catriona Clark.

The year ahead sees a eclectic mix of productions, from am-dram to the likes of Les McKeown's Bay City Rollers, while magician Paul Daniels appears in September.

And of course, panto will return to the Gaiety. This year's production is Aladdin, with some big name cast members to be announced.

"It's looking good for the year ahead," adds Jeremy. "The people of Ayr are determined to make the Gaiety great again."

n Alastair McDonald and Arthur Johnstone appear on July 19, Opera Bohemia on July 24, Still Game runs July 26-27 and Fred Macaulay appears on July 30.