Theatre Royal

Said to be the oldest surviving purpose-built theatre in Scotland. The basic pitched-roofed shell of 1792 survives. Dignified two storey stucco facade by Phipps, with central doorway flanked by arched openings, which originally accessed the pit and balcony. Five small windows, divided by pilasters, under the eaves. In Phipps's delightful auditorium of 1876, the pit was as basement level. This was decked over at dress circle height around 1920 and the balcony rebuilt with a straight front, re-using the foliated iron balustrade of Phipps's dress circle. The Guild of players bought the building in 1959, saving it from demolition. The side walls of the auditorium are now plain, except for some frames added in 1959. The former pit became a store for costumes, props and scenery. In 2015 the theatre underwent major renovations to rationalise and improve the backstage and front of house areas, including a new theatre studio, media suite and meeting rooms.