Gaiety (Ayr)

• Theatre ID
  2370
• Built / Converted
  1902
• Dates of use
  • 1902: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre
• Address
  Carrick Street, Ayr, Ayrshire, KA7 1NU, Scotland

Details

Replaced the Caledonian Theatre of 1895 (a wooden structure). The façe, originally red brick with stone dressings and industrial in character, was re-modelled in 1935 in cream and black faience resembling contemporary cinema design. The intimate auditorium, whose florid Rococo character dates from Cullen’s remodelling in 1904, has two balconies - the first of six rows and the second now only of three rows after reconstruction following a fire in 1955 when the capacity was reduced to 570. Single boxes tied into each balcony, framed by pilasters and surmounted by broken segmented pediments with large cartouches. The proscenium, apparently remodelled c.1935, is strangely low in relation to the auditorium - the top of the frame being level with the underside of the upper boxes. Above is a wall, decorated with a heavy, segmentally arched panel. Saucer-domed ceiling undecorated apart from cornice mouldings with cartouches at intervals. Garish pink and gold paintwork. Annexe added in 1995 of dubious merit, containing an enlarged box office, caféadministration and backstage facilities. This breeze-block addition resembles nothing so much as a social security office, being neither memorable for its modernity nor complementing the existing theatre. Within, it is coarsely detailed with horrid suspended ceilings and ‘eighties’ style shopping centre decor. The extra space, however, has been most welcome and has enabled the theatre to expand its activities, thus attracting more customers.

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• Events
  • 1902 Use: continuing
  • 1902 Design/Construction:
    • J McHardy Young - Architect
  • 1904 Alteration: Lochhead & Brown), raised 11ft and remodelled
    • Alexander Cullen (Cullen - Architect
  • 1935 Alteration: façade remodelled
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1955 Alteration: reinstated after fire
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1995 Alteration: extensive addition at side
    • Borough Architect - Architect
  • 1904 Design/Construction:
    • Alexander Cullen - Consultant: Interior Design
  • 1902 Owner/Management: Ayr Gaiety Ltd
  • 1909 Owner/Management: Ayr Picture Palaces
  • 1925 Owner/Management: Leslie & Eric Popplewell
  • 1965 Owner/Management: Glasgow Pavilion Ltd
  • 1973 Owner/Management: Ayr Town Council (now South Ayrshire Council)
• Capacities
  • Original: c.900
  • Later: 1955: 570
  • Current: 584
• Listings
  • Grade B - 8.12.1972
• Stage type
  • raked 1:30
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: w: 13.7m d: 9.15m
  • Proscenium width: w: 7.16m
  • Height to grid: 14.02m 35 lines, mainly hemp
  • Orchestra pit: for 12