Pavilion Theatre (Glasgow)
 | |
| Address |
125 Renfield Street Glasgow Scotland |
|---|---|
| Owner | The Glasgow Pavilion Ltd. |
| Type | Proscenium |
| Capacity | 1,449 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1904 |
| Architect | Bertie Crewe |
The Pavilion Theatre is a theatre in Glasgow located on Renfield Street.
History
One of Glasgow's oldest theatres, the Pavilion Theatre of Varieties opened on 29 February 1904 as a Music hall. The building has remained relatively unchanged in layout, although the sound and lighting systems have been updated over the years. It is now protected as a category A listed building.[1]
The theatre was designed by Bertie Crewe as the Glasgow venue of Thomas Barrasford's growing chain of British Music Halls, and was regarded as luxurious for its time. The owners described its decor as "pure Louis XV", featuring Rococo plasterwork across the proscenium arch and boxes, terrazzo flooring, leadlight glazing and rich mahogany wood finishing. Ventilation was ensured by an electrically operated sliding roof panel above the auditorium. The facade was designed in the French Renaissance style and finished using glazed buff coloured terracotta. The auditorium's capacity of 1449 is made up of 677 stalls, 341 circle, 413 balcony and 18 box seats.
Many of the leading music hall artistes of the early 20th century appeared at the Pavilion, including Marie Lloyd, Little Tich, Harry Lauder, Sarah Bernhardt and a then unknown Charlie Chaplin.
In the 1930s, the Pavilion began producing pantomimes and in more recent times it has also functioned as a receiving house for plays and alternative comedians.
The Pavilion Theatre is now the only privately run theatre in Scotland and one of a few unsubsidised independent theatres left in Britain outside London. The theatre mainly runs populist productions and pantomimes, as well as comedians and touring bands on the 'nostalgia' circuit.
In 2004 Janette Krankie was seriously injured during a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk at the theatre, but made a full recovery.[2][3]
In 2007, the Pavilion Theatre reinvented itself as the Scottish National Theatre of Variety, with a launch including numerous stars of the stage and the announcement was made by Iain Gordon the General Manager.[4]
The Mighty Boosh have performed several times at the venue, including with early shows Arctic Boosh and Autoboosh in a five night stint in 2000, as well as their 2006 stage show. An episode of their radio series was also recorded at the venue. The act performed at the Pavilion once again on 13 and 14 September 2008 with Boosh Live. These dates set a record for the fastest selling act ever at the Pavilion, with tickets selling out in 3 hours for both nights.
Location
The theatre is at the top of Renfield St, towards the northern end of the city centre. It is a short walk from Cowcaddens and Buchanan Street Subway stations, and Buchanan bus station.
Pantomimes
The Pavilion has been the home of Glasgow Pantomimes for several years. The most notable performers include The Krankies, Jim Davidson, Michelle McManus and Natalie J Robb
References
- ↑ "Pavilion Theatre: Listed Building Report". Historic Scotland. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
- ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 21 April 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2006.
- ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 28 December 2006.
- ↑
