With wet weather threatening to cancel shows at The Mowlem due to a leaky roof, the new executive director of the Swanage theatre in Dorset, says she has been blown away by the generosity of the local community and its supporters.
Kate McGregor arrived to take up her new role in July 2025 and top of her to-do list was to get the old leaky flat roof fixed – now within five days of launching a fundraiser – more than 60 percent of the target £10,000 has already been raised.
Kate McGregor prefering to use the bucket to collect cash rather than rainwater!
“We’ve done all we can with temporary fixes”
The Mowlem building on Shore Road was opened in 1967 and while its brutalist architecture is equally loved and loathed, what goes on inside the box is greatly appreciated across Purbeck by residents and visitors.
The Mowlem’s executive director Kate McGregor said:
“The position of The Mowlem right on the seafront means it is subject to all weathers and while the team has done a great job of maintaining the building, it is now ailing.
“We made a priority list of what needed to be done and the most urgent job was the leaky roof.
“We’ve done all we can with temporary fixes, but they’re no longer enough. Without urgent repairs, we face the very real possibility of cancelling shows, damaging key equipment, or even closing the building.
“We want to stay open, so the plan is to add a permanent weather proof layer to our existing roof and keep the rain out for years to come.”
Inspecting the old flat roof
The roof has been regularly patched but now needs a new waterproof layer
More than £6,000 raised in five days
The crowdfunder to raise £10,000 to carry out the repairs was launched on Friday 3rd October 2025 and within the first five days, donations exceeded £6,000.
The fundraiser has been boosted by the offer of Mowlem merchandise with the arts hub’s stylish new branding based on its original 1960s signage.
On offer for a £20 donation is a canvas Mowlem bag and for donations of £125 or more, people can get a backstage tour with Kate.
Kate said:
“The crowdfunder is going great and there’s still 35 days left, but this is now the hard part as our core supporters have now donated and so it’s a case of reaching out to the wider community.
“The response so far has been phenomenal and in all my time of fundraising within the arts, this has to be one of the fastest to get towards the target. I’ve also found some of the comments from people really beautiful which shows just how well loved The Mowlem is.”
The Raise the Roof leaflets feature the new Mowlem branding
The new logo takes inspiration from the original 1960s sign
The Mowlem’s first executive director
Kate McGregor who grew up in Dorset, is The Mowlem’s first executive director and is an experienced theatre director.
She started her career in the arts, achieving a first class BA Honours degree from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, in drama, applied theatre and education. In 2009 she founded a theatre company Theatre6, winning the Evening Standard Award for best musical.
Since then she has produced, directed, written and adapted numerous theatre productions from a large scale community play called Rising Waters at Valley Arts in Somerset, to an adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel Persuasion which toured English theatres including Poole’s Lighthouse.
Kate added:
“Since I’ve arrived, I’ve been taking my time to really understand the Swanage community and get to know The Mowlem’s staff and people connected to The Mowlem.
“There’s a dynamism and passion for The Mowlem but at times we can be a bit in our Mowlem bubble. So I’ve spent time connecting us to the wider Dorset arts community like Poole’s Lighthouse, Bridport Arts Centre, and Dorchester Arts.
“We need to know what we do well, and how we can develop – there’s lots of exciting ideas to explore. And we also want to integrate more into the community and create a home for artists of all disciplines.”
“To be honest, I’ve also spent time on our financial strategy. The economic climate for the arts is challenging and it’s no different for The Mowlem.
“We need to establish our budget for 2026 and look to increase our revenue. We really need to get people not just buying a ticket for a show, but also encouraging them to buy a drink in the bar.
“We’re moving from a trustee led organisation to being executive team led. It’s a new chapter with more accountability and more process.”
Taking part in their own mini production (left to right) executive director Kate McGregor, events and bar manager Paul Angel, and operations manager Thomas Curtis
The unmistakable Mowlem takes centre stage in Swanage
“I can’t wait to get here in the morning”
The Mowlem is now entering its busiest period of the year with the Folk and Blues Festivals having just gone and the literary and film festivals about to start.
The Showbar is featuring more live music and there’s a plan to improve the acoustics, while the newly refurbished Studio is regularly busy with comedy, live music, and special interest clubs including a new choir.
Next year, there’s plenty of performances already getting booked up like the panto Aladdin, The Swanage School’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the Swanage Musical Theatre Company’s show Beauty and the Beast.
As Kate is an experienced director and producer, would she like to get more involved in an artistic way?
Kate said:
“Well maybe I could co-produce at some point, once we have solidified our financial position. As part of the Raise the Roof fundraiser, the staff created a film to publicise the appeal, so I think I would like us to do something together again.
“I’m also keen to get more volunteers involved in The Mowlem, as the more we do, the more help we need. There’s a wide range of roles that people can get involved in and it’s just such a fantastic place to spend time in.
“I have quite a long commute to get here from my home in Weymouth, but when I arrive in Swanage I love seeing the sea.
“I can’t wait to get here in the morning. The view from The Showbar is just amazing and I’m looking forward to seeing it as the seasons change – I just love it!”
Watch the appeal
Further information
- Donate to the Raise the Roof fundraiser
- What’s on at The Mowlem
- More about volunteering at The Mowlem
