Transform Perth Theatre by Tricia Fox

Your Theatre Your Heritage Your Future

Contents

Transform Perth Theatre

Welcome to the future of Perth Theatre (3)

For over a century, Perth Theatre has been a star act on the cultural stage of Scotland, shining the spotlight on generations of actors and performers, entertaining audiences of all ages and inspiring people from all walks of life.

A theatre fit for a king (4-5) Tipping point (6) Cherishing the old and embracing the new (7) Plans (8-12) Design for life (13) New creative spaces (14)

But the grand old lady of Scottish theatre is feeling every one of her one hundred plus years! Despite careful attention, she is losing her lustre, becoming threadbare and, in the modern age, is struggling to meet safety standards and access requirements. Enter Horsecross Arts with a transformational project to restore and redevelop the much-loved venue; bringing the cherished Edwardian auditorium back to its former glory, improving public areas for growing audience numbers, creating a new studio theatre to help in the quest to cultivate the talent of tomorrow and adding much needed spaces for its burgeoning community programme. It’s an ambitious undertaking with a £16.6m price-tag, £1.5m of which we are still to raise. It falls to our generation to preserve this cultural icon so that Perth Theatre can reprise its leading role for the next century of theatre-goers in Perth.

Artist and audience areas (15) A theatre for the people (16) A theatre for the next generation (17) A theatre for Perthshire (18) Play your part! (19) Take a bow (19)

And now it’s time to play your part!

Welcome to the future of Perth Theatre ‘I feel like my life changed the first day I walked into Perth Theatre. It set me on my way’ Ewan McGregor, OBE, Project Ambassador, Transform Perth Theatre

As Chief Executive of Horsecross Arts I am delighted to be able to offer you an insight into the future of Perth Theatre. Since its debut performance in 1900 Perth Theatre has been a place of beginnings. It was Scotland’s original repertory company, the first theatre to mount a major drama tour of the Highlands, an innovator of theatre festivals, a pioneer in audio description for live drama, home to the first dedicated youth theatre company in Scotland and it has of course set many actors, like Ewan McGregor, ‘on their way.’ For over a century, the theatre has served a large urban and rural population whilst attracting tourists from far and wide. Be that as it may, we are aware that it is primarily the loyalty of the people of Perthshire that has ensured the survival of the theatre. In the mid-1930s, as Perth Theatre blazed the trail of repertory in Scotland, an appeal was issued to local citizens for a guarantee fund of £500 to allow the company to reach its third birthday. The people of Perthshire rose to the occasion then and have done so again over the last few years, generously contributing to the present-day fundraising campaign. Indeed, thanks to the dedication of the team at Horsecross Arts and the theatre’s partners, funders and supporters, £15.1m has been raised and the biggest restoration, redevelopment and expansion project in the theatre’s long and illustrious history is now underway. Inextricably linked to the regeneration of the city centre, its scale reflects the significant role the theatre has always played in civic life. Knowing that Perth Theatre holds a special place in the hearts of so many makes us immensely proud and is a huge vote of confidence as we embark upon this once-in-a-lifetime project. The next and final step is to raise £1.5m to equip the theatre with state-of-the-art amenities worthy of the 21st century. We live in exciting times and we are keen to embrace the progress and changes this demands whilst preserving all that makes Perth Theatre so special - its magnificent Edwardian auditorium with its classic proscenium arch, its role as Perthshire’s cultural and community hub, its commitment to cultivating the talent of tomorrow, along with its history and the ideals and values upon which it was built all those years ago. This is why I am appealing to you today to play your part in preserving and developing all that Perth Theatre means to you, individuals, families, communities and the cultural sector, across Perthshire, Scotland and beyond. With your support future generations will continue to enjoy and benefit from Perth Theatre and all that it has to offer. I thank you for your generosity and look forward to welcoming you to Perth Theatre when she opens her doors once more.

Gwilym Gibbons Chief Executive, Horsecross Arts

A theatre fit for a king ‘After many years of weary waiting the people of Perth at last find themselves in the possession of a theatre worthy of the City’ Perthshire Advertiser, 1900 Your Theatre – Perth’s first recorded theatre was actually the Grammar School Theatre of Perth. The city’s Glover’s Hall in George Street also hosted theatre until its gallery dramatically collapsed during an 1809 performance of ‘The Scottish Play’ Macbeth! Your Heritage – Not long after celebrating its third birthday, Perth Theatre Company received a Royal Command from King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to attend Balmoral Castle where they performed to royalty and guests in the grand ballroom. Your Future – First-time level access to Perth Theatre, improved circulation throughout and new, state-of-the-art community spaces will break down physical barriers to participation and help us to welcome more visitors than ever before, many for the first time.

‘Perth Theatre has always been a happy and welcoming place. May we all grow older as has this lovely old theatre’ Edith MacArthur, MBE

For five centuries Perth has been a theatre town, renowned throughout the land for performances fit for a king, as Charles I discovered in 1633. Nevertheless, it was only in 1900 that theatre truly found a home for itself in Perth, right in the heart of the High Street. Perth Theatre as we know it was designed by Scottish architect William Alexander and when it opened its interior was described as ‘one of the finest in Scotland’. In 1935, Perth Theatre Company - the first of its kind in Scotland - was set up by David Steuart and Marjorie Dence kick-starting a prolific period for the theatre. In 1939, Perth broke new ground again by hosting the first-ever Scottish Theatre Festival and another era of opportunity was born in 1941 when Perth Theatre rolled out the very first Scottish Tour. Perth Theatre was bought by Perth Town Council in 1968 and Joan Knight was appointed Artistic Director. Described by The Scotsman as ‘Scottish theatre’s first lady’, she stayed faithful to Perth for more than 25 years. Horsecross Arts took over the management of Perth Theatre in 2005 when her much younger sister Perth Concert Hall opened 50 yards down the road. Under its custodianship, the theatre has grown its audiences, gathered a clutch of awards and built a thriving community programme. The theatre is one of the UK’s most respected theatres and the UK theatre community holds it in high regard. Since the 1930s tributes and support have come from the biggest names in the business including Sybil Thorndike, John Gielgud, Noël Coward and George Bernard Shaw. Not only has the theatre made a significant contribution to the dramatic arts and welcomed a host of famous faces to its stage over the past 100 years, it has also been a fertile training ground for directors, stage managers, technicians, stage crafts and arts administrators. Perth Theatre is also one of the few theatres of its kind to retain a craft workshop, paint shop and wardrobe to allow it to produce its own work, a tradition that will continue when Perth Theatre reopens.

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Theatre Programme, 1936 Edward Woodward and Donald Pleasence in the Guinea Pig, 1948 Lisa Goddard in Little Foxes, 1971 Gordon Jackson, 1951 Perth Theatre Circus Handbill, 1934

6 Rikki Fulton, 1971 7 Donald Sutherland, 1960 8 Kevin Whately, 1976 9 HRH Queen Elizabeth, 1951 10 Roy Kinnear, 1957

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The Cast of Aladdin, 19?? John Laurie, 1937 Philip Lowrie, 1968 Mother Goose, 1975

‘I’ll always be grateful for the time I spent at Perth Theatre. It was my first real acting job and it gave me real confidence and security’

Tipping point ‘It falls on our generation to preserve this great cultural icon’ Gwilym Gibbons, Chief Executive, Horsecross Arts Your Theatre – Early one spring morning in 1924, a smouldering cigarette caused the outbreak of a serious fire which destroyed the dress and upper circles of the theatre. The owner, who stopped to save important documents on his way out, was saved by the Stage Manager and Scene Painter.

Donald Sutherland

Fast-forward to the present day and Perth Theatre has reached a tipping point – the simple fact that it is over 110 years old cannot be ignored. Despite careful attention, it is losing its lustre, becoming threadbare and, in the modern age, struggling to meet safety standards. Since 2008, significant investment has been required to preserve the auditorium and secure the fabric of the whole building. Accessibility issues front of house and back stage cause considerable problems and lack of up-to-date equipment restricts performances and daily operations. With a growing demand for new and improved performance and community spaces, Perth Theatre is bursting at the seams! Thus Transform Perth Theatre was born, the ambitious project to restore and redevelop Perthshire’s beloved theatrical gem. On completion in 2017 Perth Theatre will have a sustainable and bright future. The renewed Perth Theatre will be a place where new generations of audiences, theatre-makers and community participants will thrive.

Your Heritage – In the past people’s frames were much smaller and Perth Theatre could accommodate over 800 people. Owing to an increase in the average size of theatre-goers over the last century, capacity has been cut to ensure that a night out at the theatre remains a comfortable experience for all. Your Future – The £16.6m project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore the beautiful theatre to its former glory and provide new creative spaces for the next chapter in Perth Theatre’s unique story.

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Cracked and deteriorating plasterwork ‘Gods’ seating awaiting refurbishment Damaged, leaking roof space Uncomfortable, threadbare seating

Cherishing the old and embracing the new ‘If the interior was beautiful by day it was absolutely gorgeous by night … a theatrical gem of its kind’

‘I joined the Perth Theatre Company in 1955 with a 5-week contract at £11 a week - although my career as an actor has taken me all over the world, Perth has remained my home base’ Leon Sinden

Transforming Perth Theatre is not just about bricks and mortar but it certainly starts there. Following extensive consultation with audiences, local communities and partners, the transformation of Perth Theatre has been designed by award-winning Richard Murphy Architects. The preserved historic auditorium will be accessible from every floor via a wraparound structure. This will include new public spaces such as bar and restaurant areas, meeting and exhibition spaces, a new studio theatre, and new community and creative learning spaces. There will be a new lift and the building will be fully Equality Act compliant.

Perthshire Advertiser, 1900 Plans include: Restoring the historic, B-listed auditorium to its former glory – a programme of restoration and conservation will be meticulously undertaken, an orchestra area will be created, and the upper circle known as the ‘gods’ - which have been out of use since the late 1960s - will be reinstated providing theatre-goers with an exhilarating view of the stage Creating a new, flexible 200-seat capacity studio theatre – this new performance space will be for use by young people, available for low-cost community hire and will accommodate small to mid-scale drama and music performances as well as comedy gigs, family events and children’s workshops Building a new extension – a range of modern, versatile, well-equipped and inspirational community and creative learning spaces for ever-growing youth, education and community activities Introducing a ground floor level entrance – the new Mill Street entrance will help to achieve full Equality Act compliance and improve overall access and circulation Providing much needed equipment – the installation of state-of-the-art equipment throughout will enhance the visitor, customer, artist and staff experience Improving facilities – upgrades to front and back of house areas, including catering and conference facilities, alongside the improved cultural offering will help to attract inward investment and strengthen Perthshire as a tourist destination Ensuring sustainability – the newly transformed theatre will provide the capacity to make the most of our entrepreneurial spirit and increase revenue streams by growing and diversifying the audience base and making greater energy efficiency savings

Plans

GROUND FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR

THIRD FLOOR

Design for life

‘This is a particularly interesting project to work on because it will see one of Scotland’s most historic buildings transformed into a state-of-the-art venue - without losing any of the character that made it so popular in the first place’ Kevin Dickson, Managing Director of Robertson Construction, Tayside

The loving restoration of Perthshire’s B-listed Edwardian theatre will focus on increasing accessibility and comfort whilst maintaining its original warmth and grandeur. Walls, plasterwork, seating, flooring and lighting will be repaired and replaced and new ventilation systems will be introduced. Carpets, stage curtains and other furnishings will be replaced and sight lines will be improved. The original decorative interior of the theatre with predominantly red walls and mouldings accented in cream and gold will be replicated. An orchestra area will be instated and the upper circle or the ‘gods’ will be brought back into use. A new technical lighting gallery and follow spot space will be created at the rear of the ‘gods’. The fly tower and systems within will be fully refurbished and all electrical and lighting systems will be upgraded to provide safe and workable systems for the future. New equipment and systems form part of the £1.5m funding requirement yet to be raised.

New creative spaces

‘The most wonderful period of my theatrical life. A lovely town, with delightful people and a most beautiful theatre in which to work!’ Edward Woodward, OBE

Bright, new and fully equipped creative spaces for everyone to use. The community areas will be used either as a larger performance room or divided with an acoustic folding wall into two smaller rooms. Clerestory glazing will infuse daylight. A second multi-functional room, which will offer either dedicated rehearsal space or an additional community and workshop area, will be located on the second floor. Technical equipment will be installed to allow full flexibility in the type of work all of these rooms can support. Such equipment is dependent on securing the remaining £1.5m. The studio theatre will feature retractable seating and a first floor gallery. The design will comprise 200 seats with wheelchair spaces easily installed at the front of the stalls and at each side of the gallery. The control room and sound desk will be at the rear of the gallery and energy efficient ventilation systems will be used to feed air supply to ground floor level. Equipment, such as the sound desk, required to ensure the studio can be put to full use, requires further funds to be secured. From the outside, the studio theatre will form a principal element of the new Mill Street façade and will appear as a simple box floating above a wide glazed entrance. The panes of glass will include feature lighting as well as logos and advertisements which will create a varied and enticing frontage both day and night. Funders are invited to support the development of the plaza area through the purchase of a large scale LCD screen to be used in part for commercial purposes.

Artist and audience areas

‘Perth Theatre truly means everything to me. It fostered my love of theatre and is the sole reason that I am now an actor’ Colin McCredie

The main entrance will be made from Mill Street, giving a more welcoming and spacious approach and a direct connection to Perth’s cultural quarter including Perth Concert Hall and Perth Museum. Access from Perth’s High Street will still be possible and encouraged. In Cutlog Vennel there will be a projecting glazed staircase which will enliven this public lane. The bar will sit at first floor (circle) level with tables and chairs spreading into what was the box office. The café and restaurant will be tucked into a more intimate space on the ground floor. The new box office will form the main point of arrival. A large translucent glass wall at the south façade will fill all levels with daylight. Two new, fully accessible dressing rooms will be provided, one for each of the main performance spaces. A new rehearsal room will be created in an area previously used as a large store, making more efficient use of the space. The back of house area will also be home to a new production workshop.

A theatre for the people ‘Perth Theatre gave me the opportunity to start learning my trade. I’ll forever be grateful for that’ Ewan McGregor, OBE, Project Ambassador, Transform Perth Theatre Your Theatre – Notable actors including Donald Sutherland, Alec Guinness, Denis Lawson, Edith MacArthur and Una McLean have trod the boards of Perth Theatre and others, like Colin McCredie, learned their trade there. Local boy Ewan McGregor kick-started his acting career as a member of Perth Youth Theatre and worked as a stagehand before Joan Knight cast him as an extra, giving him his first break. Your Heritage – During rehearsals for one play there was demand for a trumpet call but there was no trumpet player to be found. Fortunately, actor Edward Woodward, who found Hollywood stardom in the mid-1980s, stepped up declaring “I can make a noise like a trumpet.” And so he did, for the rest of the week! Your Future – Horsecross Arts’ community, education and outreach programme engages with an average of 25,000 people every year. Once reopened, Perth Theatre will continue to ignite a fascination in the arts amongst young people and communities growing this figure and putting people of all ages and from all walks of life at the heart of theatre life.

‘The people who taught me my business, the fun, the laughter, the hard work. These memories will live with me forever’ Una McLean, MBE

Perth Theatre has always thrived on the sense of pride and ownership felt by local communities. With the support of the people of Perthshire, the newly transformed Perth Theatre will take a lead role in producing, touring and receiving quality theatre that resonates with audiences locally, across Scotland and further afield. 60,000 annual theatre-goers from Perthshire and beyond share an affection for Perth Theatre, a figure set to rise post 2017. With its location at the gateway to the Highlands, the rising Perthshire population, improvements to the auditorium, the introduction of the studio theatre, enhanced access and a more diverse artistic programme, Perth Theatre will attract an even larger audience from a broader social spectrum, all of whom will enjoy a superior customer experience. As a significant heritage asset, many class the Edwardian auditorium as a visitor destination in its own right. Once restored, an increased number of heritage tours and a new community-based theatre heritage archive will be of particular interest to enthusiasts interested in socially important artefacts, buildings and their stories. When its doors throw open once more Perth Theatre will return to a meeting place for friends, families, local community groups, business people and tourists.

A theatre for the next generation ‘Perth Theatre plays a hugely important role in the life of the local community. It is interwoven with the history and cultural traditions of the area and has delighted, educated and entertained audiences throughout the years. With an impressive outreach programme, the theatre also inspires and involves people of all ages in memorable and rewarding experiences which enrich their lives’

In 2015 Horsecross Arts won the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Commitment to the Community Award for the second time in just five years. In 2017 the Creative Learning team will find a new home in Perth Theatre’s flexible new community spaces equipped with all the latest technology. People will flock to take advantage of the theatre’s expanding community, education and outreach programme. The increase in community participants will be supported by a partnership approach. With the support of nurseries, primary and secondary schools, higher education institutions such as Perth College UHI, NHS Scotland, support organisations like Perth Autism Support and Enable, and arts bodies including the National Theatre of Scotland and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, we will deliver an even bigger year-round creative learning programme for all. By creating more artistic, educational and social opportunities for young people and adults, including those who are most vulnerable and those living in deprived or rural areas, we will help safeguard Perthshire’s cultural future and the employability of its residents. Our classes and workshops are often a much needed lifeline, improving participants’ health whilst providing a route to creative expression, friendship and lifelong learning. Very closely tied to Perth Theatre is its beloved, long-standing youth theatre. Now 50 years old, Perth Youth Theatre is the oldest of its kind, and also one of the most successful theatre companies for young people in Scotland. It has trained and developed an impressive list of most talented theatre-makers and performers over the years. When Perth Theatre reopens, Perth Youth Theatre members will find themselves re-immersed in the history of the building, following in their idols’ footsteps. The new studio theatre, dedicated community spaces, and improved interpretation, education and participation materials will encourage people of every age and background to join in.

Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland

A theatre for Perthshire ‘The economic impact of Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall once the refurbishment of the theatre has been completed equates to £6.1m GVA and 381 FTE jobs’

Independent economic impact study conducted by DC Research, 2013

‘I hope that as many people as possible seize the opportunity to work together with Horsecross to help turn their exciting proposals into a reality. Plans which could provide a substantial opportunity to build audiences, attract more visitors, reach out to all our communities, contribute to the regeneration of Perth’s city centre and further develop an arts centre in the city’ Councillor Ian Miller, Leader of Perth & Kinross Council and Chairman of Perth Theatre Project Board

‘An overwhelming 90% of businesses agree that the redevelopment of Perth Theatre will add to the cultural offer of the city’

Independent economic impact study conducted by DC Research, 2013

The transformed venue is at the heart of ambitious plans for a cultural quarter in Scotland’s newest and fastest-growing city. Horsecross Arts played a key role in helping Perth secure city status back in 2012 and is now supporting Perth’s ambitious bid to be named UK City of Culture in 2021. If successful this exciting initiative would bring unparalleled benefits to the people of Perthshire, not least an incredible boost for the tourism economy. Perthshire’s projected population growth – the National Office of Statistics forecasts a staggering 24% population increase over the next quarter of a century, with a huge increase in the number of young families moving to the area – will provide new audiences, which will have a positive knock-on effect for the local business economy. Indeed, a 2013 independent economic impact study completed by DC Research demonstrated Perth Theatre will bring significant benefits for Perth and the wider area through increased visitor spend, growth in cultural attendances and conference business, and greater employability. With your support we can continue to project Perthshire on to the national and international stage while providing essential jobs and training, and adding outstanding value to the city as a destination for culture and commerce.

Play your part! Having secured £15.1m of the £16.6m required to Transform Perth Theatre, we have reached a significant milestone. Prior to its reopening late 2017, we need to raise the final £1.5m to equip the theatre with state-of-the-art amenities worthy of the 21st century. If you are an individual, a family, a Trustee, a local business or a Scottish company, and you would like to play your part in this visionary project, we would love to hear from you. You would be investing in the success of Scotland’s newest and fastestgrowing city, and supporting a multi award-winning organisation to provide access to the arts and important education programmes for the community. In return for your generosity you will enjoy a closer connection with Perth Theatre and receive exclusive benefits, tailored to meet your charitable objectives. Naming rights for the auditorium, new studio theatre, creative learning spaces, bar and restaurant areas, dressing rooms and the theatre’s majestic boxes are also available. As the Transform Perth Theatre project approaches its final and most exciting stage, and as the transformation begins to take place, Perth Theatre will be the talking point of local communities. As the curtain comes up for the grand reopening your support for Perth Theatre will take centre stage.

Take a bow... The restoration, redevelopment and expansion of Perth Theatre would not be possible without the support of public funding bodies, charitable trusts and foundations, local businesses, audiences and communities. Thank you to each and every one of you for believing in our vision of a home for theatre in Scotland, right in the heart of Perthshire. Your contributions are instrumental to the project’s ongoing success.

To find out how you can play your part please contact: The Development Team on 01738 472731 or transform@perththeatre.co.uk

Project partners

Project supporters The Binks Trust The Cross Trust The Guildry Incorporation of Perth The Jimmie Cairncross Charitable Trust The Monument Trust The Robertson Trust The Thomson Charitable Trust

www.horsecross.co.uk Registered in Scotland no 301328 | Charity no SC022400 | Registered Office Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ