Tag: Leith THeatre

Leith Theatre’s decades long campaign hits a high note with pledge of support from National Lottery Heritage Fund

Leith Theatre Trust today revealed that it has secured a significant funding package potentially worth £4.5m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Just days after being included on the Theatres Trust ‘Theatres at Risk’ Register for the ninth year, and shortly after securing a 50 year lease of the complex from City of Edinburgh Council, Leith Theatre Trust is delighted to announce Heritage Fund backing of its ambitions to create an innovative cultural venue at the heart of its community.

An initial award of £247,947 for its Back to Life: the theatre that isn’t just a theatre project supports Leith Theatre to develop its capital refurbishment plans in close collaboration with The National Lottery Heritage Fund in order to secure the full remaining funding award of just over £4.2m.

The development support from the Heritage Fund also strengthens a community engagement programme, helping to ensure local people remain at the heart of the Leith Theatre story.

An impressive civic space, now suffering from damage and decay, Leith Theatre is a Grade B listed building with classic interwar architecture and a unique political history, built to commemorate the incorporation of Leith into the City of Edinburgh’s new boundaries in 1920.

Lengthy periods of closure have preserved many original features, making the theatre a distinctive and valuable heritage site. Time has left its mark, but despite deterioration, the space retains much of its classic detailing, with its ‘authentic’ and ‘faded grandeur’ continuing to resonate with all who visit.

Between 1961 and 1988, it served as a venue for the Edinburgh International Festival, hosting performances by world-renowned musicians like the Amadeus Quartet and Benjamin Britten. The theatre hosted contemporary music in the 1970s, with iconic bands like AC/DC and Kraftwerk performing on the stage.

As it reawakens, Leith Theatre has woven itself into the local community, making it an important local asset, celebrating the heritage and civic pride of Leith.

As one of few buildings in Edinburgh to sustain war damage, the theatre was closed in 1941. The Main Auditorium has now been closed for more than half its life, yet Leith Theatre has still taken its place in the community weaving an incredibly rich story and heritage.

Without support, the curtain could have fallen on Leith Theatre’s rich social and cultural history forever. This funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund opens up the possibility of significant refurbishment and a year-round, permanently open Leith Theatre for the first time since its initial opening.

The Future

As a mid-sized music and performance venue, Leith Theatre’s past informs its future. However, the building is not just a space for entertainment but also a much-loved community hub appealing to a diverse and intergenerational audience.

The Trust’s ambition is to save this valuable community asset so it can take its rightful place at the heart of Leith and in the cultural landscape of Edinburgh, contributing to local vibrant life and ultimately benefitting future generations.

The vision for the refurbishment is to ensure the building fulfils these original purposes but as a contemporary space that preserves the charm and heritage that makes it so enthralling to visitors. It will be a remix of the old and the new, retrofitting the iconic venue to preserve its rock-and-roll spirit while hitting the right notes on sustainability.

Everyone will be able to take part in the refurbishment project through events and heritage opportunities, allowing many people to access the venue and play their part in preserving and creating Leith and the City of Edinburgh’s history. People can stay up to date on these opportunities by signing up to the organisation’s newsletter and social media channels.

In the longer-term, this project ensures organisational sustainability in order to offer employment opportunities and skills development, bringing economic and social benefits to Leith.

Leith has featured in several ‘best neighbourhood’ polls and articles in recent years due to its mix of creative businesses, artists, Michelin starred restaurants, vibrant bar scene and new tram links direct from the airport. Leith Theatre’s return at last gives the area and Edinburgh a brilliant mid-size live music and performance venue in an accessible, yet out of city centre location.

Lynn Morrison, Chief Executive from Leith Theatre Trust said: “We are delighted with this initial support from The National Lottery Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players we can continue to progress our strategic plans to revitalise and reimagine this beautiful heritage building.

“This is a significant milestone, and I am very proud of the team that has helped realise this ambition, which is one that I have been aiming for since appointment. It will be invigorating working in partnership with the Heritage Fund to develop and bring visibility of such an exciting lottery project to the heart of Leith.”

Anna Higham, Funding and Finance Manager from Leith Theatre Trust, said: “This project to bring Leith Theatre back to life really shines a spotlight on heritage and how important it is for communities to retain buildings of local value.

“Although this feels like the culmination of lots of hard work, it is really just the beginning, and we are excited to continue our next step development plans and launch our full capital fundraising campaign.”

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland said: “We are thrilled to be able to help make plans for a restored and revitalised Leith Theatre a reality.

“As a historic theatre with nearly a hundred years of stories, creativity and characters there is so much to celebrate and explore in its heritage.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, Leith Theatre Trust’s plans for the future will be developed with the community ensuring this wonderful theatre has a bright future as a lively venue and as a place for local people to experience and be involved in the arts, culture and creativity.”

MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson, said: “It’s a wonderful building and I have been pleased to support the Leith Theatre team, and dream, in any ways that I could, since being elected in 2016.

“I recall first being shown around the place back then, when it was in a state of disrepair, and the progress in the years since has been remarkable. I pay tribute to all of the staff, board and volunteers for everything that has been achieved up until now.

“The space is a fantastic venue, and I cannot wait to see and hear the shows and concerts that will now take place in the near future. Leith is a creative and energetic hub, and I am excited for what is ahead for this theatre.

“I predict there will be significant demand to perform on the stage – by musicians, actors and other various artists alike – and many audiences are in for a treat! Congratulations to everyone involved in getting to this moment, and here’s to a bright future ahead! Open the curtains and turn up the amps!”

Persevere: Leith Theatre celebrates major milestone in securing the future of the valuable community and cultural asset

Leith Theatre Perseveres on 20 Year Journey to Save Building

Leith Theatre Trust is proud to announce a significant milestone, the securing of a 50-year lease for the much-loved Leith Theatre. This achievement, the culmination of a 20-year campaign, cements the future of the iconic venue, allowing a stable foundation for future ambitions.

For the first time since 2004, and with the security of a long-term lease, the Trust is able to confidently plan for long-term development, and crucially, seek the investment required to transform the venue into a sustainable and vibrant cultural space.

The significant long term lease agreement marks a turning point for Leith Theatre, delivered 17 months after the Trust received committee approval at City of Edinburgh Council’s Finance and Resource Committee in September 2023. This has been achieved after working closely with council officers and legal teams, in parallel with investigative works to conduct due diligence in relation to building health.

This achievement is a testament to the commitment of Leith Theatre staff, board and key personnel from the City of Edinburgh Council who have persevered and worked hard to protect and preserve this vital community asset.

Originally saved from the risk of private redevelopment by a group of local campaigners, Leith Theatre has often been overlooked in its lifetime but has nevertheless stood the test of time.

This positive step forward for the whole complex is vital to its protection on its journey to becoming a beacon of regeneration and heritage preservation, allowing it to fulfil its ambitions and take its place at the heart of Leith life as an innovative cultural and community venue.

Lynn Morrison, Chief Executive of Leith Theatre, said: “I feel so proud to play a part in safeguarding such a unique and incredible heritage asset, so many of which are now commonly under threat.

“Saving this particular building has been a strong local response to that threat. The lease now gives us the stability to develop and steer this project towards refurbishment and sustainability as a key piece of cultural infrastructure in the city.

“I believe this space can be transformational for Leith and I am excited to plan for its long-term future.”

Bob Last, Chair of Leith Theatre, said: “When I took on the role of Chair at Leith Theatre, my primary goal was to ensure that we negotiated a new long-term lease for this asset gifted to the people of Leith in the 1930s. After many months of work alongside a tenacious team, I am pleased to deliver the vital security this lease brings.

“In celebrating this moment not only are we standing on the shoulders of the original architects whose vision I have ever greater respect for, but also all the skilled labour that went in to every detail of its construction, everyone who has enjoyed events at the theatre for more than 90 years giving the building meaning and, crucially, previous members of the Trust and all those who have spoken out about the building over the years.

“Leith Theatre will now be an important part of Leith and Edinburgh’s future cultural and community landscape.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Leith Theatre as we seek to unlock further capital investment and bring more and more vibrant life back to this iconic space.”

Val Walker, culture convener at the city council, said: “A 50-year lease is a remarkable milestone, and I’m very excited to see the venue thrive as a lasting music, cultural and community asset.

“This is the beginning of the next chapter. With the continued interest and enthusiastic support for the venue I very much look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

David Orr, Commercial Real Estate Partner at Aberdein Considine, who negotiated the lease on behalf of Leith Theatre Trust, said: “It is immensely rewarding to have played a part in this extremely exciting new chapter for the iconic Leith Theatre, which will both preserve this significant piece of the historic built environment and revive this unique venue for the cultural and creative industries.

“We are proud to have worked alongside the Trust and partners to bring this lease deal to fruition and we look forward to supporting the continued success of Leith Theatre Trust in the years and decades to come.”

Leith Theatre and Restless Natives hit the big time

The Clown and The Wolfman Ride into Leith Theatre 

Leith Theatre is proud to reveal it will be the Edinburgh home of Restless Natives: The Musical. 

The brand-new stage version of the classic Scottish film will kick off a three-month summer programme of theatre, music and film co-commissioned by Restless Natives’ producers, Andy Paterson and Wild Yak Productions, and the Leith Theatre Trust team. 

Welcoming audiences back into the venue is a significant milestone for Leith Theatre. This curated collaboration will offer a rare and exciting chance to enter the faded grandeur of a theatre that has remained largely the same since opening in 1932. This pop-up summer season will be a unique opportunity for audiences to glimpse at the theatre’s future while it continues on its journey towards restoration. 

Original Restless Natives screenwriter and now lyricist, Ninian Dunnett, director Michael Hoffman and composer Tim Sutton, inspired by Big Country songs and themes, will open the season by delivering a not-to-be-missed full stage musical designed to delight devotees of the original movie and capture the hearts of a new generation. 

A charming sense of national pride is built as intrepid underdogs Ronnie and Will become Highland Highwaymen, holding up buses and winning international renown, fleecing tourists with panache, with all the quirky idiosyncratic fun coming to Leith Theatre’s raked stage in June 2025. 

Although the Trust have operated on a pop-up basis in the past bringing a wide range of cultural activity, the creative focus has more recently been within the TV and film industry hosting a large number of shoots and productions. Excitingly, this will be the first theatre production to make Leith Theatre its home since 2018. 

Restless Natives: The Musical will commence a summer 2025 programme, providing audiences with a chance to enjoy live cultural experiences in this iconic heritage venue while supporting Leith Theatre’s preservation. 

Restless Natives producer Andy Paterson is thrilled to see the musical leading the summer programming for the venue: “We are so inspired by the Trust’s vision for this incredible building.

” Our memories of shooting key scenes from the film just a few hundred yards away on the Western Harbour make this new partnership all the more special.

“We can’t wait to bring the Clown and the Wolfman back to their actual and spiritual home in Edinburgh.”   

By partnering with Restless Natives, Leith Theatre Trust will shine a spotlight on the building’s history and restoration journey and bring an exciting cultural experience to the stage that fits with all of the film, music and theatre connections that already make up the venue’s heritage.  

Will this be the end of the story or the beginning of a legend? 

Lynn Morrison, Chief Executive from Leith Theatre Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce Leith Theatre as the Edinburgh venue and to work in partnership to deliver this incredible three-month summer season, starting with Restless Natives: The Musical.

“Despite the challenges posed by our building’s health, we remain committed to being at the heart of cultural life in Leith. This theatre adaptation blends theatre, film and music which is everything we love, and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome this exciting crossover and summer opportunity to our venue.” 

Andy Paterson, who was one of the producers of the film and lead producer on Restless Natives: The Musical, said: “The moment we walked into Leith Theatre we had a feeling that we’d come home.

“The unique atmosphere and personality of the venue chimed with Ninian’s story. Both embody the resilience, the spirit of Scottish community, a sense of perseverance and solidarity – and the belief that with the right values and serious ambition, you can make something great.”  


Red carpet treatment for Screen Education Edinburgh filmmakers

LAST weekend Leith Theatre rolled out its red carpet for an for an unforgettable celebration of the latest cohort from the BFI Film Academy Edinburgh and South East Scotland Short Course.🌟🍿

Screen Education Edinburgh learners spent the past few months working collaboratively towards their Preparing to Work in the Film Industry NCFE Level 2 qualification, while working together to write, direct and edit their own short films.

The result? Three phenomenal short films; “To Janice,” “To Be a Woman is To Be in Conflict,” and “I’ve Waited”, which we had the privilege of screening on the big screen at Leith Theatre. 🎥🙌

Huge congratulations to all the learners for their outstanding films, hard work, and the remarkable stories they’ve brought to life. Your creativity and passion have left us inspired and delighted to be part of your undoubtedly incredible filmmaking journeys.🎉

🤝 Thank you to BFI Film Academy, The National Lottery, The City of Edinburgh Council and Screen Scotland for making this course possible.

SCREEN EDUCATION EDINBURGH

Live in Leith returns to Leith Theatre for second series

Intimate performances from two of Scottish music’s rising stars, streamed live from the historic Leith Theatre

Live in Leith returns after its inaugural series in Spring 2021. Streaming on DICE with exclusive weekend access over 6-7th November 2021, the venue hosts Lizzie Reid, Scottish Album of the Year nominee; and Wester Hailes’ LOTOS/Last of The Old School, recently featured in a BBC Scotland documentary (https://bbc.in/3pllbA2), who are one of the key voices in Scottish rap.

Inset: Lizzie Reid / Live in Leith – C: Rory Barnes

After being successful in gaining 2nd round funding from Creative Scotland’s Performing Arts Venue Relief Fund, Leith Theatre was able to once again reach audiences who have a love of new music and the venue while the building remains closed.

Live in Leith was able to re-engage with the local creative network and work alongside them to produce two incredible recorded sets while providing important income streams for industry professionals and the artists themselves.

Inset: LOTOS / Live in Leith – C: Rory Barnes

Hosted once again by Vic Galloway, Live in Leith puts a spotlight on 2 of Scotland’s rising stars at what is an important time in their careers. 

The artists play a 20 minute set composed of current and new numbers followed by a get-to-know-you interview with host, Vic Galloway. The setting is Leith Theatre’s Female Chorus Room, a green room used for major productions in the venue. A special space, largely untouched since its 1961 refurbishment, the viewers get an AAA pass for these streams.

“These streams are not to be missed. The recordings are up close and personal with two of Scotland’s brightest talents. I am in no doubt, these acts will come back and headline our main stage as well as many other famous venues across the country.” – Callum Jones, Programme Curator & Coordinator

Tickets on sale now on a Pay What You Want scale:

 https://dice.fm/venue/leith-theatre-6qp8

Leith Theatre bids fond farewell to long standing chair instrumental in saving the theatre

Jack Hunter, a founding member of Leith Theatre Trust, will be standing down as Chair of Leith Theatre on 27 May 2021 after 16 years of involvement.

Vice Chair, Roland Reid, stepped down at the start of the year with Anne Diack taking up this position.

As a previous Managing Director of Scottish Homes, former Chair of Port of Leith Housing Association and as a member of the initial Action Group, Jack Hunter was instrumental in saving the building after a strategic review of theatres in Edinburgh proposed selling it for redevelopment. This group eventually became Leith Theatre Trust in 2008 and a registered charity in 2011.

Under Jack’s watchful eye the Trust took over management of the neglected asset in 2016 and over the next 5 years re-established the Theatre on Edinburgh’s cultural scene in a riot of colour and life, initially hosting Hidden Door and the Edinburgh International Festival.

This returned contemporary music to the stage with a raft of innovative and avant-garde partners, spoken word, film, theatre and international DJ sets; all of which have complemented the venue’s strong community focus.

Covid has been Leith Theatre’s third period of public closure in its near hundred-year history. However, this time has seen the theatre kept busy behind the scenes, supporting the wider community with Empty Kitchens Full Hearts to help alleviate food poverty; and producing a series of live streamed gigs, shining a light on fresh music in Scotland under its new brand, Live in Leith. 

Leith Theatre has continued to grow positively and at a pace towards a reimagined future and with that has come expected shifts and new opportunities in Board development and governance.

Anne Diack has been a key member of the Leith Theatre Board since 2016 and brings her governance and leadership skills to the table at this time of growth. She is Head of External Affairs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and also serves on the Board for Soundhouse.

Lynn Morrison, Chief Executive of Leith Theatre, said: “Jack Hunter was instrumental in saving this building from housing development from 2004 onwards. His activism over a period of 16 years has allowed the theatre to reach this pivotal point in its journey.

“Building on our vision for the future, it is at the start of a capital fundraising campaign which will ensure that this beautiful building is still around for future generations, which is exactly what Jack hoped for.

“As an architect by trade, Roland Reid shared this passion for the building and devoted much of his time and energy to it. All of us at Leith Theatre wish them both the very best, and send them on their way safe in the knowledge that they will be able to watch their much-loved project grow from strength to strength.”

Jack Hunter, now former Chair of Leith Theatre, said: “I am honoured to have played a part in Leith Theatre’s history. As a member of the local community with a passion for music, I know how much this building means to Leithers.

“My involvement has ensured that it will also have the chance to mean the same to a wider community, from local to international, which has always been the ethos behind the Theatre. I know the team is extremely hard working and have lots planned, so I look forward to seeing what’s next as part of the community!”

“My involvement has ensured that it will also have the chance to mean the same to a wider community, from local to international, which has always been the ethos behind the Theatre. I know the team is extremely hard working and have lots planned, so I look forward to seeing what’s next as part of the community!”

Leith Theatre will be formally recruiting for a new Chair later on this year.

Stanley Odd celebrate release of new album with live recorded performance from Leith Theatre

Stanley Odd  

The Last Night In (a music film): STAY ODD live from Leith Theatre 

Date: 8th May 2021 @ 8.30pm 

Presented by Handsome Tramp Records in association with Creative Scotland

Tickets available here: https://bit.ly/2QNoQra 

Scottish hip-hop mainstays Stanley Odd have announced they will be playing a unique performance  of their latest album STAY ODD from the iconic main auditorium of Leith Theatre.

The band formed in  Leith over a decade ago. Now, four albums and almost twelve years later, the six-piece are returning  to the place where their journey began for a celebration of live music – and of Staying Odd.  

The band are known for their electric live performances and, although we cannot dance together just  yet, have decided to bring their explosive live show to fans’ living rooms.

The event will be ticketed  however – recognising the uncertain times that we’re living through – fans have the choice of four price  options. The standard price is £10, but fans will be offered an option of £5 – or nothing at all – to  ensure the gig is as accessible to all. An additional option of £20 will also be available to folks who  want to show some extra support. 

The album itself, described by BUZZ Magazine as the band’s “most accomplished work yet,”, was  recorded over a four-year period and showcases the sound of a band who are nothing but confident in  their Oddness.

STAY ODD takes the listener on a journey through the global news cycle on a stolen  bicycle, to a place where lying politicians are at odds with iconic female figures, and tales of witches  are interspersed with classic hip-hop. Each track is as truly unpredictable as the last. 

The album dropped on April 12th after being teased for over a year with the release of lead single  Where They Lie in February, and then another every six weeks since July. This stunning music film of  the band live from Leith Theatre is made possible by Creative Scotland’s Sustaining Creative  Development fund. 

The Last Night In was born out of the same desire to engage with their fans.

Frontman Dave Hook,  aka MC Solareye, says of the show: “Playing in this beautiful, semi-derelict space – on the floor in the  middle of the room – sort of represents all of the empty venues around the country just now.

“The Last  Night In is a bittersweet celebration of live spaces as well as of STAY ODD getting played in full – start  to finish.” 

Connect with Stanley Odd: Facebook Instagram Twitter Bandcamp

Pictures: Danny Bonnar

Book Now! Live in Leith starts this Saturday

Live in Leith:

March 20th: Connor Fyfe and Retro Video Club

March 27th: Ransom FA and Nova Scotia the Truth

April 3rd: The Ninth Wave and Lucia & The Best Boys

Tickets (£11.50) on sale now at https://bit.ly/LIVEINLEITH  

Picture: Rory Barnes

#liveinleith

Twitter/Facebook: @LeithTheatre

Instagram: @leiththeatre

Hosted by BBC Radio Scotland’s Vic Galloway, Live in Leith streams over three consecutive Saturdays – starting this weekend with Bellshill boy Connor Fyfe and Edinburgh-based Retro Video Club – via the online platform DICE.

At the age of 14, Connor Fyfe is the youngest artist ever to sell out King Tut’s in Glasgow, finding out that he had done so on the day of his 14th birthday. He started playing guitar around the age of 8 and song-writing around the age of 12. He picked up the harmonica aged 11 back when he was a regular on the Scottish open-mic scene, playing it on stage the same day that he had bought it. Connor was due to support Kaiser Chiefs last year.

Edinburgh outfit Retro Video Club have been a band since 2015 but after a year spent refining their sound they took off on the local and then the national scene in 2017, selling out The Liquid Rooms twice, 3 nights at Sneaky Pete’s (a record for the venue) and the Assembly Rooms amongst others.

Their most recently released single ‘Checkmate’ came out this month. They have supported the likes of Bastille, The Vaccines and We Are Scientists.

Quotes:

“We’ve known about this venue for years and obviously it’s derelict (…) so to be able to somewhat play it is good enough the now. To be honest I’ve never actually been in before (…) It just makes you want to play here. It’s like an academy…it’s kind of like the O2 Academy, it has that kind of vibe. We just need to have it.” – Sam McGill, Retro Video Club

“I’ve not been in a venue for a long time, especially one as grand as this…so it feels strange to be honest – but in a good way.”   – Lucia Fairfull, Lucia & The Best Boys

“Un. Real. It’s so nice (Leith Theatre). I can’t believe I’ve never been here before.” – Millie Kidd, The Ninth Wave

“This place is amazing. Obviously, I didn’t know what to expect when I first came in and I’m like ‘woah’. Can’t wait to fill this place up.” – Ransom FA

“I like a bit of reverb on my mics but you don’t even need to ask for it in here. It’s just a nice big hall.” – Connor Fyfe   

Live In Leith

Leith Theatre launches mini-series of digital gigs to showcase breakthrough Scottish artists

A grant from Creative Scotland’s Performing Arts Venue Relief Fund has allowed Leith Theatre to secure a small staff team of expertise, enabling them to produce a mini-series of digital gigs and provide vital incomes for industry professionals and production crew as well as for the musicians and artists themselves.

Shining a light on new music in Scotland has been key to the programme’s conception. Live in Leith aims to nurture fresh talent by providing a harbour – a safe space – for those who are sacrificing their incomes to pursue careers in music at what is always a tender time, no matter what the economic situation or industry climate.

If the funding is the anchor for the whole programme, the theatre itself is certainly the port, a place that has inspired many musicians to return already since the first stage of its revival in 2017: The Snuts for example, played as part of EH6 festival back in November 2018 and Teenage Fanclub featured in EIF’s offering in August 2019. Both bands have since returned to film their latest singles in the theatre’s auditorium in 2020.

Though Leith Theatre’s doors have been closed to the public for almost a full year now, closed sets like these have been able to take place.

In 2020 the theatre was also home to the virtual edition of Scotland’s annual Wide Days music convention, EIF’s My Light Shines On recordings featuring Honeyblood and Breabach,  and Posable Action Figures’ latest music video for a single in their debut album.

Leith Theatre was once a music machine in the form of legendary gigs of the seventies and eighties and is well on its way to becoming a well-oiled one for today in the new twenties through such productions.

Just as the Port of Leith once fostered connections as a confluence of old and new, production and industry – a stage that was both world-class and local – Live in Leith aims to cultivate all of these elements and bring entertainment home in 2021 (and beyond).

The theatre, where community has always been at the heart of its role as a civic centre, wants to help raise the next generation of musicians, industry professionals and crew right here in Leith, safe in the knowledge that exploring the unfamiliar and investing in what is new and inspiring is always in all of our best interests.

Hosted by Vic Galloway, this programme – Live in Leith – will be streamed over three consecutive Saturdays starting this March via the online platform DICE and will help to showcase and establish up-and-coming young Scottish artists at what is undoubtedly a crucial time in their careers.

All of the artists will be captured playing a 25-minute set in real time, to create a live concert feel and the broadcasts will include introductions and on-stage interviews with host, Vic Galloway. 

Each gig will feature two artists, the first duo being Connor Fyfe (youngest musician to sell out at King Tut’s in Glasgow), and Retro Video Club.

Lynn Morrison, Chief Executive of Leith Theatre, said: “It is a dream come true to be producing our very first in-house Live In Leith programme from our grand auditorium!

“This programme has allowed us to see what is possible, brought a greatly missed creative network back into the building and enabled us to showcase incredible live music in a new way. 

“Thank you to Creative Scotland and the Performance Arts Venue Relief Fund: the whole production process has been exciting and challenging and we hope that this is just the start of new futures! This launch will mark a new chapter and in doing so the theatre hopes to establish itself as the home for new music in Scotland.”

“I’m delighted to be involved in presenting the ‘Live in Leith’ series for Leith Theatre. As a long-time resident of Leith, it’s so satisfying and inspiring to see this legendary theatre come to life once again”, said presenter Vic Galloway.

“Its history is rich and varied, but ‘Live in Leith’ is also a great opportunity to bring the space into 2021 with three exciting music programmes. We’re not only showcasing some brilliant local talent here, but also shining a spotlight on the building itself as one of Scotland’s best Music and Arts Venues. I hope you enjoy the shows and see the potential of the wonderful Leith Theatre!” 

Leith Theatre Programme Co-ordinator Callum Jones added: “Having graduated from my Honours degree in Music Business back in Spring 2020, it was daunting to see that the industry in which I had studied for a career had, in many ways (from a live music perspective) been decimated.

“However, Performance Arts Venue Relief funding via Creative Scotland allowed Leith Theatre to retain me on a full-time basis and in a new role as Programme Coordinator.

“Our intention was then to create a digital programme which would showcase up-and-coming Scottish talent, providing an income stream for artists when there are currently so few alternatives. By doing so, we have been able to provide work for industry professionals across the sector and re-engage with our pre-existing network and supply chain.

“The funding has allowed us to deliver a high quality, digital offering for music fans to enjoy from the safety of their own homes. Our ambition is to establish Leith Theatre as a home for new music in Scotland by supporting the development of artists.

“I hope the broadcasts can provide some much-needed respite until we can welcome visitors back to Leith Theatre.”

Live in Leith:

March 20th: Connor Fyfe and Retro Video Club

March 27th: Ransom FA and Nova Scotia the Truth

April 3rd: The Ninth Wave and Lucia & The Best Boys

Tickets on sale Friday the 12th February at 10am at https://dice.fm (see direct links below) and will cost £11.50

RVC & Connor Fyfe (20/3/21) https://link.dice.fm/fcw7qwAYEdb

Ransom FA & Nova (27/3/21) https://link.dice.fm/jzbf9SAOJdb

Lucia & Ninth Wave (3/4/21) https://link.dice.fm/6LLm13nUJdb

#liveinleith

Twitter/Facebook: @LeithTheatre

Instagram: leiththeatre