Reconnect SCIO was founded in 2018 by its now Artistic Director, Pete Sneddon, with the vision of bringing stability, creativity, and community-led management to historic buildings and landscapes. From the beginning, the organisation has been rooted in a belief that our cultural heritage should be protected, evolved, and made accessible to all through the reconnective power of the arts.
Trading as Reconnect Theatres, the organisation now operates two landmark venues in West Lothian: the Reconnect Regal Theatre, which we have run since 2018, and the Reconnect Howden Park, which we took on in 2023. Together, these spaces serve as vibrant cultural hubs for theatre, music, and community life.
Alongside our venues, Reconnect runs a large youth theatre and rock school, providing children and young people with high-quality training and the opportunity to perform on professional stages. These programmes are at the heart of what we do, fostering creativity, confidence, and community connection. The youth company produces its own shows, collaborates with professional casts, and represents the next generation of Scottish theatre-makers. With exciting new developments planned, our education and participation work is set to grow even further in the years ahead.
We also produce our own professional work, staging plays, musicals, pantomimes, and new writing. In 2023, we took our first production to the Edinburgh Fringe, winning awards and earning four- and five-star reviews from critics. This marked the beginning of an ambitious new chapter for Reconnect Theatres, with further Fringe runs and our first national tours planned for 2026. Our work has already gained a reputation for bold storytelling, Scottish writing, and imaginative reimagining’s of the classics, alongside family favourites that bring joy and laughter to audiences of all ages.
Our team has grown rapidly. What began as a handful of committed individuals has now become a core staff of more than a dozen, supported by a large pool of freelance artists, technical crews, and creative collaborators who bring their expertise to each project. Alongside them, a dedicated and ever-growing team of volunteers plays a vital role in everything from front-of-house to community outreach. Together, this collective energy allows Reconnect to deliver work of a professional standard while staying deeply connected to the communities we serve.
At the heart of everything we do is a belief in the magic of theatre. We believe that our venues and productions are not just about entertainment, but about bringing people together, creating shared moments of wonder, connection, and inspiration. Reconnect Theatres is committed to building a sustainable future for the arts in Scotland, championing local talent, and making theatre accessible to the widest possible community.
As we grow, our mission remains simple: to nurture creativity, protect cultural heritage, and celebrate the power of performance to reconnect us, to our stories, to each other, and to the world around us.
Pete Sneddon
Creative Director
