User:Peaky76/Leith Theatre
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| Former names | Citadel Theatre |
|---|---|
| Address | 29-30 Ferry Road, Leith, EH6 4AE |
| Location | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 55°58′33″N 3°10′50″W / 55.975723°N 3.180455°W |
| Owner | City of Edinburgh Council |
| Type | Theatre |
| Genre(s) | Theatre, concerts, sporting events |
| Closed | 1988 |
Leith Theatre (built 1932) is a theatre and civic hall complex in the Leith district of Edinburgh, Scotland. The main theatre space closed for public performance in 1988 and is currently inaccessible to the public, although other areas of the complex are still in use for civic functions such as weddings, and occasional concert performances. The Leith Theatre Trust was established in 2004 to investigate the possibility of re-opening the building in its entirety for community use.
History
[edit]After the the incorporation of Leith into Edinburgh in 1920, a series of new civic buildings were built for Leith as 'a gift from the people of Edinburgh'. This included the complex of civic halls and function rooms which comprise Leith Theatre and the separate Leith Library building which lies adjacent. Architects Bradshaw, Gass & Hope were the designers.
"A classical facade in cream sandstone ashlar. The building suffered bomb damage in 1941 and remained closed until the rebuild was completed in 1961. It closed again in 1988, but has remained in good condition. A sumptuous Art Deco circular entrance and box office lead to the main auditorium for the Leith Theatre. This is a flat floored hall with U-shaped balcony and proscenium stage. It is more restrained and classically detailed with a barrel vaulted ceiling and glazed roof lights. There is also the Thomas Morton Hall, a smaller flat floored hall with stage.
In 2004, Leith Theatre Trust was established to consider options for the complex. This included an appraisal report by architect firm PagePark. In June 2013, the Trust were successful in their bid to take over management of the complex from Edinburgh Council. In September 2014, they signed a five-year lease on the building, with the stated intention of extending the lease for a sufficient amount of time in order to raise funds to restore and operate the building.
Facilities
[edit]The complex is split into two wings. The West Wing comprises Thomas Morton Hall, marriage suite and foyer and is currently open for public use. The East Wing is made up of the main auditorium and artists' block. Since the closure of the Main Theatre in 1988, the interior of the East Wing has deteriorated and is no longer wind and water tight. As a result, it is out of commission as a public space. The main performance/function areas are:
Main Auditorium (known as Leith Town Hall between X and Y, Citadel Theatre between Y and Z)
Thomas Morton Hall
The Registrar's Office
