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Perth Theatre

2361

A discreet entrance arch with glazed canopy set into four storey ashlar tenement block leads to a spacious conservatory-style inner foyer with a glazed ceiling in the back court. The brick-clad auditorium and stage block to the rear contains a delightfully intimate auditorium of two tiers and about 800 seats (including the disused top balcony). Noteworthy Rococo plaster ornamentation - the first balcony is decorated with foliated scrolls and consoles and the upper balcony has delicately modelled festoons. The slips of both tiers curve round to meet slim stacks of superimposed boxes, framed by pilaster with enriched shafts. The ceiling is a plain saucer dome, reputedly a simple replacement for the fire-damaged original and dating from repairs in 1924. The auditorium has been narrowed at circle level by the insertion of side fire escape routes. The theatre will be closed from 2014-2017 for redevelopment.

Built / Converted
1900
Dates of use
  • 1900 : continuing
Current state
Extant
Current use
Theatre
Address
185 High Street, Perth, Perthshire, PH1 5UW, Scotland
Further details
Other names
Royal Theatre
Events
  • 1900 Owner/Management: John H Savile for the Perth Theatre Co
  • 1900 Use: continuing
  • 1900 Design/Construction:
    William Alexander
    - Architect
  • 1920 Owner/Management: John H Savile, sole owner
  • 1924 Alteration: renovated following fire damage
    Unknown
    - Architect
  • 1935 Owner/Management: Marjorie Dence (Perth Repertory Theatre Co)
  • 1966 Owner/Management: Perth Town Council
  • 1981 Alteration: new restaurant facilities and foyer
    Gordon & Dry Partnership
    - Architect
  • 1985 Alteration: new dressing rooms, wardrobe, studio theatre, green room, flying gear and workshops
    Unknown
    - Architect
  • 1990 Alteration: stage rebuilt
    Unknown
    - Architect
  • 2000 Alteration: front of house refurbished
    Unknown
    - Architect
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Original
    Description
    604 (?)
  • Capacity
    Later
    Description
    1981: 490
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    490 (& studio 100)
Listings
  • Listing
    B
Stage type
Proscenium, raked 1:24
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: -
Proscenium width: 7.35m
Height to grid: 13.4m
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: -