Citizens Theatre, Glasgow

Theatreplan has provided theatre consultancy for the project at the historic Citizens Theatre, which has conserved, repaired, and expanded the theatre. It is due to reopen in August 2025.

Theatreplan increased the seating capacity of the theatre; the original upper circle had only 56 saleable seats, and poor sightlines with a steep rake. We designed the re-rake and re-seating of the upper circle which has increased the capacity to 139 seats. Additionally, we have increased capacity in the stalls by 36 seats which, in total, provided an additional 119 seats. All accomplished with the aim of maximising audience comfort and sightlines, along with increasing capacity, and accessibility and bringing existing parapets, aisles, and railings up to standard.

The project has entirely overhauled the Victorian theatre, (including demolition of the foyer and offices). Theatreplan has also focused on the technical infrastructure, specifying improvements including the extension of the existing fly tower to improve load capacity, working conditions and access; a new control room; and a larger and more flexible pit. The theatre will also benefit from a new trap system in the stage, and a new mezzanine floor to the substage area. We have also introduced a tension wire grid into the new Studio space to allow safe working at height for young people.