Future is bright for theatre after £4.8m cash boost
● Project will fund conservation and expansion
0 The Citizens Theatre will benefit from new learning spaces, rehearsal rooms and a 152-seat studio theatre to “protect the physical asset for future generations”.
The project will ensure “The Citz”, as it is affectionately known, continues to deliver world class theatre for the benefit of local, national and international audiences.
Judith Kilvington, executive director of the Citizens Theatre, said: “This critical funding will allow us not only to preserve our Victorian theatre but also to tell stories which help to uncover and communicate the physical, architectural, social and cultural heritage of the Citizens Theatre to many future generations of theatre goers, participants, and visitors.
“With our increased heritage engagement plans, we will be able to attract new audiences and participants to the theatre for the first time and encourage a deeper level of engagement amongst our existing audiences by offering a variety of ways to explore the Citizens Theatre’s rich and multifaceted heritage.
The redevelopment, by architectural practice Bennetts Associates, will provide new learning spaces, rehearsal rooms and a 152-seat studio theatre. It also promises improved working conditions for staff and the transformation of front of house spaces to enable greater use by audiences and the local community.
The project will be underpinned by 12 creative heritage-focused activities includ- ing the creation of a “heritage hub” on the company’s website which will help people to share their stories about the theatre.
Lucy Casot, head of the heritage lottery fund in Scotland, said: “We are delighted to bring some Christmas cheer to one of Scotland’s oldest and best-loved theatres.
“Thanks to players of the National Lottery, the Citizens Theatre will undergo a transformation which shines a light on its incredible Victorian heritage while providing the modern facilities expected today.
“After 139 years of entertaining audiences, her future as one of the country’s outstanding production theatres is rosy.”