Leith Theatre Trust was set up in 2004 and incorporated into an charity in 2011 to save and restore the building known as Leith Theatre, a stunning 1930s semi-derelict heritage building at the heart of its community.
The Leith Theatre complex was a gift to the people of Leith from the City of Edinburgh following amalgamation of the borough of Leith into Edinburgh in 1920.
The contract was won by Bradshaw Gass & Hope, a firm that became known for its inter-war civic building designs. Building works began in 1929 and the complex opened in 1932.
This large complex includes the main auditorium; a smaller town hall space - the Thomas Morton Hall; a crush foyer and balcony; and a caretaker’s cottage/gatehouse. There is also a separate library building with adjoining hall and office space, which together form a unique setting and layout, hinting at tantalizing possibilities for future culture, music, arts and literature to flourish in one place.
In 1942, during WWII, a bomb intended for the Clyde damaged the main auditorium and library, to the extent that this side of the complex remained dormant for the following two decades, until war reparations allowed repair.
In 1961, the theatre re-opened its doors. The main auditorium was used by opera groups, schools, for political rallies and even served as the venue for the weight lifting tournament in the 1972 Commonwealth Games. The Edinburgh International Festival used the space every August, bringing directors like Yukio Ninawaega and Yuri Lyubimov and their works to the large stage.
The 1970s brought a wave of iconic artists and bands into the building, including AC/DC, Thin Lizzy, Dr. Feelgood, Kraftwerk (and The Wombles).
By 1983, the venue was essentially closed, despite still being used by EIF each August for the following 5 years. In 1988, Leith Theatre’s doors closed, although the smaller Thomas Morton Hall continued to be used for community events and celebrations.
A threat of residential redevelopment on the building sparked a community group to take action in 2004. This group became the Leith Theatre Trust.
2017 saw Hidden Door use the venue for the first time in almost 30 years. The years since have seen the return of EIF, FLY Club Nights, Neu! Reekie!, B2 Theatre Company, The MGA Academy of Performing Arts, EH6 Festival and more.
Added to our list of artists alumni are Kae Tempest, Neneh Cherry, Gerry Cinnamon, Jarvis Cocker, Teenage Fanclub, The Fratellis, The Snuts and Young Fathers amongst many others.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw the theatre close its doors again in March 2020. During its public closure, the Thomas Morton Hall has served as a NHS blood donation venue, a food bank donation venue and as the home of Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts; a food poverty charity who produced over 1 million meals from the space.
The main auditorium has become a sought-after filming location in Edinburgh, with a full feature film, music videos and a BBC series amongst its credits.
April 2021 saw the launch of LIVE IN LEITH, Leith Theatre’s in-house production of live music broadcasts featuring emerging Scottish talent. This series can be watched on the STV Player.
After the success of hosting film and TV productions, Leith Theatre was proudly chosen as the venue for BBC One’s The Bidding Room which was filmed in May 2022. Although the team dedicated a lot of time to the daily operations of The Bidding Room, significant strategic groundwork was happening behind the scenes, from business planning to crafting websites. The Bidding Room Series 5 is airing on TV now, find out more here.
In September 2023, Leith Theatre received approval from the Edinburgh City Council Finance and Resources Committee for a fifty-year lease arrangement, marking a pivotal milestone in the long-term journey. This development not only benefits future fundraising endeavours but also fuels aspirations for the future of this iconic venue.
Entering 2024, Leith Theatre continued to be deeply immersed in vital building repairs in collaboration with MacFadyen’s Preservation and roofing company James Breck who both know the building well. Amidst this work, the team has now grown to a group of four with Aisha now fully onboard as our Marketing & Digital Coordinator. As part of wider business development, Laura also joined us last year as our part time Bookkeeper, furnishing us with now readily available accountancy expertise in-house.
Together, amidst the backdrop of essential building upkeep, the focus is on the future, driven by a passion and commitment to realising Leith Theatre’s full potential.
Leith Theatre is continuing to produce and house creative projects.
To help protect the future of this incredible building and support its development, please donate now.
#PERSEVERE
