Byre Theatre

The Byre Theatre Company, formed in 1933, lost their original theatre to a housing development in 1969. A new theatre opened on the present site in 1970 and this was rebuilt in 2001. The building made use of stone from the old abbey.

The main entrance is designed to be on foot through an arch from the main High Street, and there is a secondary entrance from Abbey Street.

The main auditorium seats 220 in a single rake. The stage is open and flat; there is no wing space (because of the site), but full flying facilities (12 counterweight sets plus hemps), and a large scene dock behind the stage, which can be used to extend the set backwards. The scene dock opening is big enough to drive a truck in, but is also totally soundproofed. The auditorium is surrounded by a thick wall of concrete which soundproofs it from the rest of the building (in theory music can be played in the foyer during performances). Above the auditorium are two lighting bridges providing permanent, easy access for LX. Below the auditorium the space has been tailored for use as a wardrobe and props store.

Backstage facilities include four dressing rooms (nicely fitted with showers), a large, comfortable green room, and theatre offices.

The first floor has a conference room, which can be used as design/meeting room and for private functions. The second floor has the Lawrence Levy Studio, a flat-floored room with moveable chairs – this can be used for rehearsal.

The café is open during the daytime as well as during performances; the café-bar also has a grand piano, and plays host to live music events (mainly jazz), although this area is not sound-proofed to the street, so sound levels cannot be too high late at night. Tuesdays the Byre is host to ‘Heydays’ – an arts programme for over-50s. All facilities are designed to be accessible.