Theatres

Glasgow Citizens

Situated south of the river Clyde in the Gorbals are of Glasgow, this theatre was founded in the 1940’s with a vision to be the people’s theatre. With a policy of low ticket pricing and a combination of both experimental and classic plays, it aims to make the theatre accessible to people from all walks of life. Divided into three sections, the main theatre is a beautiful Victorian auditorium with over 450 seats that is said to be haunted, whilst two smaller studios seat 90 and 45 people respectively.

Kings Theatre

This large theatre located on Bath Street is one of the most historic theatres in Scotland, the opening ceremony for the Glasgow's European City of Culture in 1990 was held here.

The elaborate theatre with lavish decorations was opened in 1904 and has a capacity of nearly two thousand. It became renowned for it’s Christmas pantomime and hosting successful shows including musicals and comedies as well as providing a high profile stage for amateur groups.

The opening ceremony for the European capital of culture in 1990 was held here.

Mitchell Theatre

Located in the west end of the city, this attractive late 19th century façade of this theatre is original although the interior had to be replaced in the 1970’s after a devastating fire. It has concerts and shows, including jazz and is also a renowned dance venue.

Pavillion Theatre

This traditional music hall theatre located in the northern part of the city has managed to remain the least changed of all Glasgow theatres.

It opened at the turn of the 20th century and hosted many of the leading music hall artistes including a then unknown Charlie Chaplin. Celebrated as a pantomime and variety performance venue since the 1930’s, it has also more recently additionally produced plays.

Ramshorn Theatre

This intimate and young theatre located in Merchant city is part of Strathclyde University and has been established since 1992. Holding up to 80 people and held in Ramshorn Church, it stages a variety of student and community productions.

Theatre Royal Glasgow

It was a case of third time lucky for this theatre that has been around since 1895, the first two times it was built it was destroyed by fire.

Since then it has had nothing but success in the entertainment world, it was even once a TV studio, and is now home to Scottish Opera as well as Scottish Ballet. Other companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre also present here thus solidify its reputation for giving high-class performances.

Tramway Theatre

This highly unique venue is considered one of the leading venues for contemporary visual and performing arts in the UK.

Its name and unusual architecture come from its location in what was originally a tram depot up until the 1960’s and then a transport museum until the mid 80’s. Its transformation into theatre and exhibition space occurred in time for use as part of Glasgow's celebration of the European City of Culture in 1990 and has been used ever since for both Scottish and international exhibitions and performances.

Tron Theatre

Located in Glasgow’s Merchant City, this theatre was established in the 1970’s and established itself as a driving force of both new writing and landmark productions of classic texts using Scottish talent. It also acts a venue for many of Glasgow’s regular music and comedy festivals.

Regular Festivals

Celtic Connections

This music festival is held annually at various locations, though principally the Royal concert hall, every January. Since it’s inception in 1994, this festival celebrates the roots of traditional Scottish music and promotes artistic links to other countries. The event attracts thousands of attendees and hundreds of performers over the couple of weeks it is held.

Glasgow International Jazz Festival

Instigated in the mid 1980’s, the city’s longest running music festival is held every summer at various venues. This large festival hosts mainly Scottish jazz musicians playing contemporary and traditional jazz.

West End Festival

This is a mixed arts festival held every June and includes comedy, theatre, music, dance and film. Street celebration is a big component of this event with the opening act being a big carnival and street party known as Scotland’s Mardi Gras.

Glasgay

This festival aimed at celebrating gay, lesbian and bisexual culture has been going since 1993 and is held in autumn lasting a month long. At various locations around Glasgow it incorporates a wide variety of entertainment including exhibitions, music, theatre and comedy.

Glasgow Film Festival

Featuring diverse films from both new and established filmmakers, and also includes workshops and master-classes. This is a young festival that only started in 2005 and is now held every February.

Glasgow Comedy Festival

This relatively new festival that commenced in 2002 is held annually each March and features both up and coming comedians as well as household names.

Winter Festivals

This refers to the several events that occur from November through to the Celtic Connections festival in February each year.

The launch occurs in mid November when the town Christmas lights are switched on in a fanfare event in George Square. Subsequent events include: pre-Christmas festive markets, an outdoor ice rink is set up, a festival of light, Santa’s Grotto and of course the Hogmanay or New Year celebrations.