The Leith Theatre, a historic Edinburgh venue, has been removed from the annual Theatres at Risk Register, marking a significant milestone in its restoration journey. This decision comes after the theatre received a substantial £4.5 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund last year, enabling the Leith Theatre Trust to secure a 50-year lease from the City of Edinburgh Council and unlock further funding for its capital project bid.
The removal from the at-risk register is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the community and the trust behind the Leith Theatre. However, the trust's CEO, Joshua McTaggart, emphasizes that the battle is not yet won. The theatre still faces challenges, including a lack of running water and wind-tightness, which are essential for its operation as a public venue.
The Leith Theatre's history is intertwined with the city's cultural landscape. It opened in 1932 and was damaged by a German bomb in 1941, taking over two decades to repair and reopen. The venue has hosted opera, theatre, ballet, and music events, and its cultural significance is further solidified by the writer Irvine Welsh's memories of seeing Mott the Hoople there in 1975.
The trust's efforts have been supported by the community, with the trust's chair, Lynn Morrison, highlighting the importance of community support in the restoration process. The trust has secured £5 million over the next three years from the council's Transient Tourist Levy, which will contribute to the theatre's revival.
Despite the progress, McTaggart acknowledges the ongoing economic challenges faced by theatres, particularly in the post-pandemic era. He urges the public to support the Leith Theatre once it reopens, emphasizing that audience engagement is crucial for keeping these spaces in public use.
The removal of the Leith Theatre from the at-risk register is a significant step towards its full restoration, but it also raises questions about the fate of other Scottish venues on the register. The King's Theatre in Kirkcaldy, for instance, has been proposed for demolition due to severe deterioration, leaving theatre-goers in the area with alternative venues.
In conclusion, the Leith Theatre's removal from the at-risk register is a cause for celebration, but it also underscores the ongoing challenges in preserving cultural heritage. The story of the Leith Theatre serves as a reminder of the importance of community engagement, financial support, and the need to address the economic challenges faced by theatres in the post-pandemic era.
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