Perth Theatre
 Entrance to Perth Theatre | |
 | |
| Address | 2017/18 Entrance Mill Street PH1 5HZ Traditional Entrance 185 High Street Perth, Scotland |
|---|---|
| Owner | Horsecross Arts Limited |
| Designation | category B listed |
| Type | Theatre |
| Capacity | 460 (Edwardian Auditorium) |
| Opened | 1901 |
| Years active | 1901-1991 (Extension Built) 1991-2014 (Closed for major refurbishment) 2017/18 (Reopen) |
| Website | |
| www.horsecross.co.uk | |
Perth Theatre is a Victorian playhouse situated at 185 High Street, Perth, Scotland. It was opened in 1901 and extended in 1991.[1]
The building is category B listed by Historic Scotland.[2] and run by Horsecross Arts Limited to run nearby sister venue Perth Concert Hall (Scotland)
On 4 January 2014 the theatre closed to undergo renovations and expansions. Among the plans for the theatre are new seats, another smaller theatre, and a new entrance. The original auditorium will also be restored to its original condition. The theatre is expected to open again in 2018.
In March 2016, Lu Kemp was appointed Artistic Director.[3]
History
Perth Theatre is one of Scotland’s oldest and best-loved producing theatres with a rich artistic history dating back to the 16th century. Back then the theatre was managed by the ministers and elders of Perth. The theatre as it stands today opened on Perth High Street in 1900 and at the time it boasted an 800-seat auditorium. The foundation stone of the B-listed building was laid in 1899 by George Alexander, famous for his work with Oscar Wilde and when it opened the following year the interior was described as "one of the finest in Scotland." In 1935 Perth Theatre was bought by Marjorie Dence and Donald Steuart. The new owners set up Perth Repertory Company – the first of its kind in Scotland – and kick-started a prolific period for the theatre, staging over 140 plays in the following three years. Perth went on to host the first Scottish Theatre Festival in 1939 and was the first company to tour the Scottish Highlands in the 1940s.
Restoration
Historic B-listed, Edwardian Auditorium will be restored to its former glory. The upper circle will be reinstated and an orchestra area will be introduced. The theatre will also benefit from improvements to seating, sightlines, circulation, ventilation, lighting and new equipment to ensure that both visitors and performers enjoy the high quality creative experiences they have come to expect and rightly deserve.
Studio Theatre A new 200-seat capacity, courtyard-style studio theatre will be built to meet the demand for staging small to mid-scale performances.
Creative Learning An extension will provide a number of spaces for our creative learning activities and a home for Perth Youth Theatre.
Access For the first time there will be level access to Perth Theatre's foyer, Box Office, auditorium, creative learning spaces and café, bar and restaurant from our new Mill Street entrance. There will also be a lift to allow ease of access to all other levels. The High Street entrance, complete with iconic arch, will be retained ensuring Perth Theatre's presence on the busy shopping street remains and offering shoppers a direct route into the building.
Notable Figures
Throughout its history a number of star acts have been known to tread the boards at Perth Theatre, including a young Alec Guinness and Donald Sutherland. More recently Perth’s own Ewan McGregor began his acting career here - Ewan is also Project Ambassador of Transform Perth Theatre.
References
- ^ "Perth Theatre". Retrieved 15 July 2009.
- ^ "Perth Theatre, listed Building Report". Historic Scotland. Retrieved 20 July 2009.
- ^ "Lu Kemp announced as artistic director for transformed Perth Theatre". www.horsecross.co.uk. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
