Revamped theatre celebrated with panto

PeRth: Fabulous £16.6m refurbishment finally complete. Oh yes it is!

The reopening of Perth Theatre following a stunning £16.6 million regeneration has been hailed as a moment of “national importance”.

Christmas pantomime Aladdin returned life to the heart of the beloved old building, now encased in a stunning new body, after a four-year hiatus.

Magnus Linklater, who is chairman of Horsecross Arts, said the return of the theatre would be a major boon for not only the city but the entire country.

“I think this theatre has a great contribution to make to Scotland as a whole and will be a place where great work is done,” he said.

Perth Theatre has long been a breeding ground for theatre talent, both on and off stage, and it is now ready to resume a leading role.

It also hopes to bring new and younger audiences to the theatre, with the ambition of creating a welcoming place for all.

And though a fire alarm briefly interrupted the very first performance of the panto, the over-riding message was that theatre is now firmly back in the heart of Perth.

Perth Theatre welcomed its first audience in almost four years at the weekend following its stunning £16.6 million refurbishment.

A wonderfully received production of the Christmas pantomime Aladdin returned life to the heart of the beloved old building, now encased in a stunning new body.

The process of rejuvenating the theatre has not been without its ups and downs and so it was to be on opening night as a fire alarm forced cast, crew, staff and audience to abandon their seats for a short time.

Outside the theatre, youngsters took the opportunity to get selfies and autographs from the cast.

And as the play resumed, firefighters played their second role of the day – carrying Widow Twankey back on stage to a tremendous round of applause and much laughter.

Within the audience were stars of past years, former theatre members of staff, contributors to the project and local councillors who had earlier heard thanks offered to all those involved.

Horsecross Arts Chairman Magnus Linklater led the celebrations and said: “This has been a 10-year project and it has not all been plain sailing.

“There have been many bumps along the way but I cannot tell you how proud I am of what has been achieved.

“I think this theatre has a great contribution to make to Scotland as a whole and will be a place where great work is done.

“I think this is a brilliant building and a great addition to Perth’s architectural landscape as well as its cultural life.”

Mr Linklater said he hoped to see new audiences pass through the doors in the weeks, months and years to come.

“We want to see younger audiences join us here and becoming passionate about the theatre and that work begins with the opening of our pantomime, Aladdin.”

The first performance of Aladdin was also the first show on the Perth stage – and the first pantomime – for its director and the theatre’s new artistic director Lu Kemp. She said: “The panto is a brilliant place for us to start because it is for everyone.

“I want to make sure the theatre is welcoming to people of all ages.”

Guests on opening night spoke passionately about the theatre, its past and its future.

Theatre reviewer Peter Cargill said: “It is great to step back into the place again. It is time that we had our theatre back.

“I am delighted that despite all the changes and improvements they have not changed the auditorium.

“It is still the Perth Theatre we all know and love.”

Local businesswoman Tricia Fox played her own part in the regeneration of the theatre – but is also part of its past.

“I used to work in Perth Theatre, starting at the age of 16 when I became an usher,” she said.

“It is great to see it brought back to life. Perth Theatre is hugely important to the city and to theatre nationally.

“More than any theatre I have worked in – and there have been a few – it has a real heart and soul.

“It is a very special place.” Aladdin continues until January 6. A stunning new programme of works will then begin in the New Year.

Picture: Angus Findlay. Perth Provost Dennis Melloy dances with Widow Twankey, actor Barrie Hunter, after the official opening.

Picture: Angus Findlay. Perth Provost Dennis Melloy cuts the ribbon with Widow Twankey, played by Barrie Hunter, and young cast members playing construction workers.