Help Bring Leith Theatre
Back To Life
Our goal is to protect this remarkable building and reopen it as a thriving cultural home for everyone.
Leith Theatre, first opened in 1932, has long stood as a symbol of Leith’s pride and creativity. This striking Art Deco building, part of a wider complex with Leith Library and our Thomas Morton Hall, has a history shaped by people.
Closed for decades and almost lost, the theatre is coming back to life, thanks to the perseverance of the local community. Since 2017, pop-up events and performances have reminded us just how incredible this space can be.
With support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are beginning an essential stage of work to secure Leith Theatre’s long-term future. This project will bring the building back to life and will establish Leith Theatre as a major live music and performance destination.
What
Leith Theatre Means to You
“The theatre is an amazing and beautiful building. Having seen live music there in the past on lots of occasions I think it’s a fabulous venue...a beautiful setting with great acoustics and is much needed in Leith and in Edinburgh more widely.”
“So warming to know a team are keeping the building and the community it represents alive.”
“It is such a beautiful atmospheric space. The history and design become part of the event.”
“A stunning venue that is truly breathtaking from the moment you walk in. It feels like a true gem of the city and such a cornerstone of Leith. It will be great to see them supported in developing the space, where the venue can truly come alive and be used to its full potential!”
“[The best thing about Leith Theatre is] the history of the venue and that it has still has many of its original features. Such an established building in the community.”
“I loved learning about the history of the building, it made me feel proud to live in Leith”
“It felt as if it was local, for locals.”
Why Leith Theatre Matters
A Place Built for People
Leith Theatre is one of Edinburgh’s most important Art Deco performance spaces and a rare surviving civic venue. Built for celebrations, gatherings, music and big ideas, it has been part of everyday life across generations. Parts of the building are now at risk, and acting now means we can protect its character, its perseverance and the stories that reignite life amongst these walls.
This is about more than restoring a building and saving a landmark. It’s about creating a working venue where artists can thrive, creativity can blossom and audiences can enjoy a proper night out. Rooted in Leith, welcoming Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
A Confident Future
Bringing the venue back into full use will strengthen local pride and belonging, creating skills, jobs and creative opportunity. Back to Life will deliver a sustainable, year-round home for live music and performance. A stage where talent thrives and gigs meet everyday life.
The project will transform the building into a flexible, modern venue able to host grassroots nights, touring artists, community activity and learning. Back to Life offers funders a rare opportunity to secure a nationally significant venue with deep community roots and a sustainable operating future, guided by strong partnerships, professional governance and a clear long-term business model.
Why Now?
With support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Leith Theatre is in a vital fundraising and development phase. A specialist project team and architects are getting under the skin of the building and shaping realistic options for its future. This is the moment to open the doors, test ideas, pilot programmes and plan with confidence for the years ahead.
The next chapter must respect the building’s heritage while matching the energy and needs of Leith, the city and audiences far beyond. Local voices, artists and industry partners are helping shape a venue that supports you from load-in to last orders, from rehearsals to being headline show ready.
Leith at heart, open to everyone, building a future together.
Key Moments in Leith Theatre’s story
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1929
Construction begins on Leith Town Hall, designed as part of a new civic complex for Leith.
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1932
Leith Town Hall and Library open, with the theatre at the heart of civic and cultural life.
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1941
The building is damaged during WW2 and remained closed for a further 20 years.
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1961
After wartime repair, Leith Town Hall reopens, welcoming audiences once again.
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1970s
The hosts civic events, celebrations and performances for the people of Leith and wider city.
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2003
The Main Auditorium closes again in 1988, is left largely untouched and uncared for before later used being used for storage.
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2013
A local action group formed in 2004 later became the Leith Theatre Trust, beginning the long process of planning the venue’s future.
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2017
Hidden Door festival helps to reopen the Main Auditorium to the public for the first time in decades.
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2021
Leith Theatre launches LIVE IN LEITH, the venue’s in-house production line which saw three live music broadcasts featuring emerging Scottish talent.
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2022
The Bidding Room film their first series at Leith Theatre as a pivot into film and TV location work feeds a creative story and helps provide venue income.
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2025
Support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund marks a major step towards the venue’s renewal.
Be part of the journey
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ATTEND A TOUR
An incredible opportunity to experience this 1930s treasure in its raw, atmospheric form.
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage.
Leith Theatre is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.