Celebrating Sam Heughan and The Lyceum Theatre.

"The stage is a magic circle where only the most real things happen, a neutral territory outside the jurisdiction of Fate where stars may be crossed with impunity. A truer and more real place does not exist in all the universe.”

― P.S. Baber, Cassie Draws the Universe.

There is something inherently beautiful about going to the theatre, sitting in the dark, waiting for the very first line, or that very first note.

Waiting for the curtain to rise, thereby allowing us to lose ourselves within a story, if only for several moments in time.

Theatre is a magical experience, and The Lyceum is a truly magical place.

In 2020, the world went quiet.

COVID impacted every part of our lives, changing the way we interacted with everyone and with everything.

Industry slowed down, sometimes stopping completely.

The arts were one such industry.

Performances stopped.

Curtains were lowered.

Lights were dimmed.

Doors were locked.

Theatres were closed.

Our lives changed.

And, sadly, for many, lives were not only changed, but lives were lost.

Four years later, our lives continue to be affected by the pandemic.

We continue to look for new and different ways to connect with others.

We continue to look for new and different ways to tell our stories.

We continue to look for new and different ways to show our support.

And we continue to look for new and different ways to celebrate those places and people that are important to us.

Over the years, the Sparkle Lounge has hosted several birthday and Christmas fundraisers.

These fundraisers have been our way of saying thank you to Sam for providing much kindness and levity to so many different people during such difficult periods of sadness and disconnect.

Our very first fundraiser benefited "Sam's heart in Edinburgh," The Lyceum Theatre.

It seemed fitting that this year, we would return to the very beginning.

As such, for Sam's birthday fundraiser this year, we are once again benefiting The Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh.

The Lyceum Theatre is important to so many people, especially Sam.

The Lyceum has been a cultural icon for nearly 150 years and we hope that our donations will allow The Lyceum to continue to tell stories for many years to come, just as it has done so for so many years before.

“Thinking of you now, sitting there alone and quiet. I know you’re just waiting. Not just for me but for the throng and mass of voices, wet coats, and torn tickets. The bell sounding shrill as the laughter and murmur subsides. Passion and warmth filling your empty space. You’re the heart of Edinburgh, for me, beating."

“I can’t wait to be taken in by your darkness again, as you comfort us in your embrace.”

Sam Heughan, Letters To The Lyceum 2020.

To each and every donor, thank you for your kindness, and thank you for your support.

Happy, happy birthday, Sam Heughan.