Overview

Perth Theatre reopened its doors to the public on Monday 13 November 2017 after its £16.6m transformation. Perth Theatre has a long history of artistic innovation and excellence having been at the heart of cultural life in Perth for over a century. The transformation of the theatre has restored and redeveloped one of Scotland’s oldest and best loved theatres for generations to come. The B listed Edwardian auditorium has been restored to its former glory and a new 200 seat studio theatre – the Joan Knight Studio - has been created. The newly transformed venue has increased workshop spaces for creative learning and community projects, including the thriving Perth Youth Theatre, as well as improved access and facilities for audiences and visitors. Funding for the £16.6m project has been pledged from project partners Perth & Kinross Council, Creative Scotland, The Gannochy Trust, the Heritage Lottery Fund, other trusts and foundations, individual donations and other supporters and funding bodies. Fundraising continues towards the final target to fully kit out the restored and redeveloped theatre. I was astounded when I visited the theatre. It always looked from the exterior as an old fashioned unaccessible theatre, but when an artist that I really wanted to see was playing there in February, i decided to approach the thorny issue of accessibility. I was assured that I would be able to get into the theatre. As yet I have only visited the Joan Knight Studio, but I have been assured that the theatre itself is just as assessable. There is a lift to every floor, and a licensed restaurant that serves a veritable meal for pre show. BE WARNED, i tried to access the theatre from the only entrance that I was aware of, which is the one in the photograph. That entrance is in the pedestrian precinct, and it is inaccessible, with a number of stairs rising within the entrance. We were taken up the side of the theatre. We turned the corner and lo and behold, there was a wonderful open level entrance, and plenty of disabled parking near the front door. i am looking forward to enjoying another show there in the near future.

Transport & Parking

Disabled parking is directly near the front door.

Access

It was a level access. I am not sure whether there is an electric door, but it is very easily accessed,

Toilets

The accessible loo was great, good signage, all brand new and exceptionally clean.

Staff

The staff were really wonderful. They came to my table unsure wether I was on my own, and I was able to order the drinks before my friends joined us.They were brilliant when it came to sorting out the seating at the front which they had reserved. The Joan Knight Studio is flat - no tier, so a member of staff made sure I had a seat in the front row.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

It is such s beautiful building inside, they have clearly invested a lot in bringing it up to standard, and it is such a wonderful transformation. what surprised me was - I live in Fife, and we didn't receive any information about the work that's taken place - so it was indeed great to find yet another oasis.

Photos