The recent news that Leith-born novelist Irvine Welsh will be the leading face of the project to restore Leith Theatre into becoming a working venue once again made me divert my steps that way to have another look at the neglected art deco building.
Hidden away behind the circularity of Leith Library it's not as immediately noticeable from the road, although you can see it quite clearly, beyond the grand mural, from North Junction Street.
The narrow curving driveway makes it hard to gain an overall impression of the place, and any building that's been in disuse since the eighties is going to be showing signs of neglect.
The back of the building can also provide hints as to how it must once have looked.
I have been to the adjoining Thomas Morton Hall a couple of times, for gigs from local musicians, and it's a pleasant enough space, but with a whiff of community centre about it.
The theatre itself is an altogether grander place inside, as the entrance and lobby hint at, and does get used for weddings.
There have been several attempts to get Leith Theatre working again over the past decades, but funding has always been an issue. Here's hoping the support form one of the most famous living Leithers will provide the impetus to success this time around. It would be a great boost to the area, could provide an alternative music venue at a time when such places are getting more scarce, and draw tourists down to somewhere in Leith other than the bloody Britannia, especially during the Fringe. Even as it stands now it's worth a wee look if you're in the area.
I really hope they manage to do this...& do it well! What a great venue to have on our doorsteps x
ReplyDelete