Citizens' Theatre
The Citizens' is Glasgow's principal repertory theatre with a solid reputation for presenting a lively, outgoing and, at times, challenging programme of Shakespeare, modern classics and new writing.
Early Years
The Citizens' Company was founded in 1943 by a group of theatre-minded men led by James Bridie, Scotland's best know playwright of the day. The company was originally based at the Athenaeum on Buchanan Street (now the Old Athenaeum) but in 1945 moved to the Royal Princess's Theatre on Gorbals Street. After renovations the name of the theatre was changed to The Citizens'. During the 1960s when the appalling slums of the surrounding neighbourhood were systematically cleared during the 1960s, the 'Citz' continued to thrive and over the next decade, became recognized as one of the leading theatres in Britain.
The Havergal Era
Giles Havergal was appointed Artistic Director in July 1969, closely followed by Philip Prowse and the late Robert David MacDonald. Their vision for the Citizens' Theatre included the lowering of ticket prices, the provision of free previews of every show and free programmes for every member of the audience. A policy which has been maintained to this day. Both Giles and David remained as Directors until they retired in May 2003. Philip Prowse retired in March 2004. Jeremy Raison took up the post of Artistic Director on 3 November 2003.
Redevelopment
The new atrium foyer of the theatre was built in 1989, as part of the development of Gorbals Street. This was followed in 1992 with the construction of the Stalls and Circle Studio spaces. These were established to provide an intimate environment for more experimental and less well known works. These have proved extremely successful as many of the Citizens' most popular touring shows, for instance Irvine Welsh's "Trainspotting" and "Filth", began as studio shows before developing into main stage and nationwide successes.
Since 1997 when the company received National Lottery funding for building development work, the Citizens' have undertaken a large programme of improvements. This has included the installation of lifts, both backstage and in the foyer, wheelchair access ramps around the building, a new stage-door and a large-scale rehearsal room. The provision of these facilities enables patrons and staff with wheelchairs and other physical disabilities full access to the whole building, while the new rehearsal space offers the chance for rehearsals for all the Citizens venues while productions are running. The spaces are also used by a wide variety of other theatre and arts organisations, as well as TV, film and community projects.
Contact
Enquiries
119 Gorbals Street
Glasgow
City of Glasgow
G5 9DS
Scotland
Tel: +44 (141) 4290022
Fax: +44 (141) 4297374
E-Mail: info@citz.co.uk
WWW: http://www.citz.co.uk
