Glasgow's Citizens Theatre Set for 2025 Reopening After £20M Revamp Amidst Challenges
December 22, 2024Despite receiving £8 million from the Scottish government, the theatre still needs to raise an additional £3.5 million to complete the renovation.
The updated venue will feature an expanded courtyard foyer and a new three-storey building, which will include a 150-seater studio theatre and enhanced facilities for set and costume production.
Throughout this process, the theatre has maintained strong ties to the community, offering discounts for striking workers and subsidized tickets for local schoolchildren.
To further engage the community, a fundraising campaign will be launched to support the theatre's reopening.
Dominic Hill, the artistic director, emphasized that despite the delays and rising costs, there is strong momentum towards reopening and a commitment to showcasing Scottish work.
The collaboration with the National Theatre of Scotland has improved communication and co-production efforts among Scottish theaters in the post-pandemic landscape.
The reopening is anticipated to enhance the Gorbals area, which has experienced significant regeneration in recent years.
Susannah Armitage expressed optimism for the upcoming year, highlighting the importance of ambitious new works in the theatre's programming.
Additionally, a new play titled 'Small Acts of Love' is set to premiere in September 2025, exploring community bonds formed after the Pan Am flight 103 bombing in December 1988.
The Citizens Theatre in Glasgow is set to reopen in 2025, marking a pivotal moment for Scottish drama with new artistic leadership.
This reopening follows the theatre's first major refurbishment since it opened in 1878, returning to its historic location in the Gorbals.
The £20 million renovation project has faced significant challenges, including the impacts of Brexit, the pandemic, and inflation, which have doubled its estimated costs.
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Source
The Guardian • Dec 22, 2024
Citizens theatre in Glasgow to reopen in 2025 after major refurbishment