Creativity, community and connection: Glasgow’s historic Citizens Theatre reopens

Creativity, community and connection: Glasgow’s historic Citizens Theatre reopens

Two people in high vis jackets and hard hats explore the restored auditorium.
Improvements have been made to the theatre's facilities, front of house and behind the scenes. Photo: Eoin Carey.
After a seven-year regeneration project, one of the city’s most celebrated venues will reopen with a homecoming celebration and a new season of performances.

The category B listed building in the Gorbals opened in 1878, as a variety theatre. Since 1945, it has been home to the Citizens Theatre Company which, over the following decades, built an international reputation at the theatre – known affectionately as the Citz – for productions of both modern and classical works. However, by 2017, the building was in urgent need of refurbishment and modernisation.

Alongside funding from other partners, our grant of £7.2million has contributed to the conservation of the structure and enabled a programme of improvements, including:

•    creating new rehearsal and studio spaces
•    making the venue fully accessible
•    rebuilding backstage and technical facilities
•    boosting the building’s long-term sustainability

For audiences, a new foyer and better sightlines will improve the experience of seeing a show. The new facilities will also provide the broader Gorbals community with more opportunities to engage with their shared creative heritage and the arts. Previously at-risk heritage has been restored for visitors to explore, including rare 19th-century stage machinery.

A view of the facade of the theatre, with a group of five illuminated caryatids positioned on the room above neon lettering of Citizens Theatre.
The restoration continues a proud history stretching back to 1878. Photo: Mark Liddell.

The team plan to build connections with the community by celebrating this history. A community activity plan will provide new opportunities for people to get involved, by sharing stories about the Theatre, playing a role in creating a digital home for its heritage, and joining a programme of events.

The theatre will celebrate its reopening with a Homecoming Festival, beginning with a community-led procession through the Gorbals on 23 August, followed by a weekend of creative workshops and behind the scenes tours. The festival will continue until 5 September, before a full season of new performances.

Kate Denby, Executive Director of Citizens Theatre, said: “The reopening of the Citizens Theatre marks a hugely significant moment – not just for the building, but for everyone who holds this theatre close to their heart. This homecoming year is a celebration of creativity, community and connection. The Citz has always been a theatre for the people of Glasgow; now, more than ever, we want everyone to feel welcome here.”

To find out more about the upcoming programme and the Homecoming Festival, head to the Citizens Theatre website. We’re proud to support the restoration of treasured buildings and spaces right across the UK – explore more projects we’re funding.

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