Perth Theatre
Entrance to Perth Theatre
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| Address |
2017/18 Entrance Mill Street PH1 5HZ Traditional Entrance 185 High Street Perth, Scotland |
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| Owner | Horsecross Arts Limited |
| Designation | category B listed |
| Type | Theatre |
| Capacity | 460 (Edwardian Auditorium) |
| Opened | 1901 |
| Years active | 1901-1991 (Extension Built) 1991-2014 2014-2017 (Closed for major refurbishment) 2017/18 (Reopen) |
| Website | |
| www.horsecross.co.uk | |
Perth Theatre is a Victorian theatre and opera house situated at 185 High Street, Perth, Scotland. It was opened in 1901 and extended in 1981.
The building is category B listed by Historic Scotland and run by Horsecross Arts Limited who also 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 2017.
In March 2016, Lu Kemp was appointed Artistic Director.
Perth Theatre is one of Scotland’s oldest and best-loved producing theatres with a rich artistic history. 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 – continuing the work of the pioneering Repertory Company founded by J.H.Savile and family, the proprietors from 1901 to 1935 – 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.
Joan Knight was appointed as Artistic Director in 1968. During her 26 year tenure at Perth Theatre, Joan oversaw a major rebuilding programme in 1981 and 1985, adding a restaurant, rehearsal room, dressing rooms and workshop facility.
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.
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 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 a 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.
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