The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Transformed Perth Theatre reopens
Visitors admire plush interior ahead of first show next month
One of Scotland’s oldest theatres was back in the limelight yesterday as it reopened its doors following a £16.6 million revamp.
Perth Theatre was closed for nearly four years while it underwent the biggest transformation in its 117-year history.
Curious visitors got their first glimpse inside the new look building, complete with fully restored Edwardian auditorium as well as new box office, café and bar.
At an important yet low-key opening, the theatre was hailed as a “huge asset” for the city of Perth.
Gwilym Gibbons, chief executive of Horsecross Arts, the creative organisation behind the theatre and Perth Concert Hall, said: “This is an incredibly exciting moment. The Perth Theatre transformation has secured the future of one of Scotland’s most historic and culturally significant landmarks for many generations to enjoy.”
Its first performance, the pantomime Aladdin, begins next month.
The curtain has been raised on Perth Theatre after a momentous makeover costing £16.6 million.
The venue was hailed as a “huge asset” for the Fair City as it opened it doors to the public for the first time in nearly four years.
Theatre bosses welcomed the first wave of a curious customers through the brand new Mill Street entrance.
Visitors are being invited to view the new box office, café, bar and shop, with tours planned of the Edwardian auditorium, which has been restored to its former glory.
The 500-seat hall will relaunch officially next month with this year’s pantomime, Aladdin.
A new 200-capacity studio theatre, named after legendary director Joan Knight, has also been built, as well as rooms for youth theatre groups.
Gwilym Gibbons, chief executive of Horsecross Arts, the creative organisation behind the theatre and Perth Concert Hall, said: “This is an incredibly exciting moment. The Perth Theatre transformation has secured the future of one of Scotland’s most historic and culturally significant landmarks for many generations to enjoy.
“I think its an extraordinary building. It feels like a very friendly space and that’s exactly what we wanted.
“It’s sometimes hard, when it’s in the midst of construction, to see beyond that, but I think this has really surpassed our expectations.”
Artistic director Lu Kemp said: “Perth Theatre used to be called the People’s Theatre Perth. We’ve redeveloped and restored it, we need local people to reinhabit it and to bring it back to life.
“We hope they will return this extraordinary building to its former glory – a busy, warm place used and enjoyed by everyone.”
Perth City North councillor Harry Coates, who is on the Horsecross executive committee, said: “Its absolutely incredible. The café, bar, auditorium – the whole feel of the place – has been completely transformed. It is a huge asset for Perth and I would encourage everyone to come along and check it out.”
The venue will host an open house event on Saturday and Aladdin begins its run on Saturday December 9.
It’s sometimes hard, when it’s in the midst of construction, to see beyond that, but I think this has really surpassed our expectations