The redevelopment project will be transformative for audiences, artists, participants and the city. It will create a vibrant hub at the heart of our Gorbals community as a space to inspire creativity for all.
Our iconic building had fallen into disrepair and was no longer fit for purpose.
We wanted our theatre to be accessible to everyone while retaining its unique Victorian features.
This project is the first comprehensive redevelopment of the building since it began life as a working theatre in 1878. It will secure its future for the people of Glasgow for generations to come.
The redevelopment will:
Preserve the original Victorian auditorium and open up our rich history.
Remove barriers and improve inclusion throughout the building.
Create welcoming social spaces.
Deliver new rehearsal, participation and studio spaces.
Improve backstage facilities and artist accommodation.
Make the building more sustainable and future-proofed with the climate emergency in mind.
Froma welcoming new foyer to better sightlines in the auditorium, the transformation will be felt throughout the redeveloped building.Improved accessand enhanced facilities mean that even more people will be able to enjoy the theatre.
For artists
The reopening of the Citizens Theatre means we can build closer and more meaningful relationships with Glasgow-based artists and companies.
Our new multi-purpose Studio Theatre offers exciting possibilities. It will allow us to accommodate more performances than ever before and champion a new generation of emerging theatre makers.
This building truly feels like an offer to all of us and to all the new kids on the block to believe, imagine and create.
Maryam Hamidi, Playwright & Actor
For participants
While we’ve continued to work with groups across the city, nothing beats welcoming participants into our own building and onto our famous stage. Our adaptable and accessible new spaces mean we’ll be able to work with even more people.
For the city
The new building will be a vibrant hub at the heart of our Gorbals community. It’s a space to inspire and empower.
The Citizens Theatre represents the best of Glasgow... It makes art and drama feel, as it should, like a vital voice, culturally, socially and politically.
Paul McNamee, UK Editor of the Big Issue and Chair of Citizens Theatre Board
Latest updates
As work on our building redevelopment continues apace, we’re busy behind the scenes getting ready for reopening. Check out our latest news and videos to see what we’re up to.
Small Acts of Love will launch our reopening season back at the Citz. Written by playwright Frances Poet with music and lyrics by composer Ricky Ross, it is a story about love and friendship in the face of the most extraordinary adversity.
Join our Technical Director and Client Representative Graham Sutherland as he introduces some of the exciting new spaces that will form the transformed Citizens Theatre building.
“The Citz is reborn and rebirthed, and it’s looking glorious”
Actor and director David Hayman takes a tour of the Citizens Theatre building redevelopment.
Key moments on our journey so far
Building the vision
We worked with architects Bennetts Associates on plans for the new building. The Edinburgh and London based company has a leading reputation for performing arts and civic projects.
The project will deliver spaces and experiences full of character reflecting the unique and idiosyncratic nature of the Citz. Much of the hidden world behind the scenes will be accessible to audiences and visitors for the first time.
James Nelmes, Director, Bennetts Associates
Goodbye event
Before we closed our doors, we welcomed the people of Glasgow to the theatre for a unique public event.
The Citz community came together to celebrate all that this special building means to us.
Visitors had the chance to grab a memento in a sale of costumes and theatrical items, share their memories of the theatre and explore plans for the new building.
View goodbye event photos
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I think of this building like a rock in the community – it stands out like a lighthouse in the middle of the area.
Participant at the Moving Out Event, 2018
Breaking ground
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined Leader of Glasgow City Council, Susan Aitken to mark work starting on site.
The Citizens Theatre is more than just a building. Over its 140 years it has hosted performers, welcomed audiences and been a genuine hub for the Gorbals community. It has a very special place in Scotland’s cultural landscape.
Nicola Sturgeon
Demolition began
By October 2019 demolition was well underway and it was exciting to see big changes on site at 119 Gorbals Street.
Large sections of the foyer and administration offices were removed – making way for bigger, brighter contemporary spaces.
Our famous statues were restored by Scottish sculptor David J Mitchell. Burns, Shakespeare and the four goddesses have welcomed audiences for decades. Over the years, however, they’d become worn and damaged and needed substantial restoration. It was heartening to see the statues returned to their former glory.
One of the most technically complex moments in the building redevelopment! It was thrilling to see the 70 tonne structure lifted on an enormous crane, carried across the car park at a great height and placed safely on top of the historic building.
Our old flying system was in desperate need of modernisation.
The famous figures are now back on our roof, creating a dramatic new focal point for Gorbals Street. An exciting moment on our journey back home – and in the wider regeneration of our local area.
Hear from some of the team there on this exciting day
The statues return home
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They’ve seen the social history of the Gorbals. They’ve seen the landscape of the Gorbals change. They’ve seen the audience come and go… They’ve seen actors come and go into the theatre… They’re going to go back onto the roof of the theatre and see a whole new Gorbals.
Neil Packham, Community Drama Director, on the statues.
A welcoming new foyer
Things are looking very different at our Gorbals home as main construction works approach completion on site. We especially love the vibrant pink staircase – an incredible centrepiece in our new Courtyard foyer.
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FAQs
Your frequently asked questions about our building redevelopment
When will the theatre reopen?
The theatre will reopen later this year. Our first main stage production will premiere in September 2025.
What will your reopening show be?
Small Acts of Love will be our first main stage production. This major new work, commissioned by the Citizens Theatre and written by playwright Frances Poet and composer Ricky Ross, will premiere in September 2025.Read more about this moving and heartfelt play here. A full programme of shows will be announced soon.
Can I view a seating plan and buy tickets?
Not just yet. We are preparing behind the scenes and tickets for our opening season will go on sale later this year.
How can I support the redevelopment?
We’d love it if you could help us – find out more in our Support section.
The redevelopment of the Citizens Theatre building is made possible by our project funders.
Thanks to our public funders who share our vision. Thanks also to the many charitable trusts and foundations who have generously supported the project.
