Bringing heat to our Main Auditorium will help to dry out the damp and protect our 1930's plasterwork whilst spreading warmth this winter as we pledge one third of all funds raised here to local charities working to prevent homelessness in Leith and Edinburgh.
A 1500-capacity Art Deco gem in Edinburgh, Leith Theatre has been neglected more than once in its lifetime. One of the last buildings in the United Kingdom to be repaired from bomb damage following the Second World War and abandoned to the elements again in the 1980's, the theatre is currently facing its third period of public closure in its near hundred-year history.
We need help to make sure that this time, when we reopen again, it’s for good.
Since 2017 we have showcased a wide array of local and international talent, but the truth is that this building has been semi-derelict during this time and we've worked as a pop-up venue from one individual temporary license to the next to try and make this a space where you can enjoy amazing live performances.
The theatre was gifted to the people of Leith 100 years ago. Let's keep it the gift that keeps on giving.
Photo credit: Amanda Rogers
The faded spaces above, under the boarded up windows, show where original cast-iron radiators once stood, before they were misappropriated and never replaced.
Donations will help us to relocate remaining original radiators into the public areas of the building, bringing life back into these spaces with warmth and comfort. Donations will also help to bring comfort to those facing an even harder winter than most this year in our community. We will be sharing one third of donations with these three fellow local charities: Steps to Hope, Four Square and Turning Point Scotland. Community has always been at the heart of what we do at Leith Theatre and this campaign is no exception. We are delighted to be partnering with these organisations to help to support the incredible work that they do.
Above: Damp damage in the theatre. Photo credit: Amanda Rogers
This is about more than radiators. They are cast-iron stepping stones to realising Leith Theatre as a full-time venue that can support, entertain and inspire its community across twelve months of the year.
This is the single, biggest step that we can take right now to investing in the future of this iconic building. There is no doubt that significant future fundraising will be required but we cannot underestimate the importance of this campaign in changing where we are as a business in 2020, as well as supporting the incredible work of other local charities.
Photo credit: Amanda Rogers
If you can, please help Leith Theatre radiate warmth this winter. Help us to prepare for better days whilst helping to support those in our local community who need it most this winter.
Thank you
A little look at some of the rewards...
Reward: 'Spread the Warmth'. A set of 4 cards, each featuring a unique image by The Edinburgh Sketcher, commissioned by the theatre especially for this campaign. As another option, you can choose to have 1 card sent to a loved one with a Christmas message from the theatre as a gift donation on their behalf.
Reward: 'Hot Property'. A professional - and signed - print of one of the 2 above images (you decide!) by local artist The Edinburgh Sketcher, commissioned especially for this campaign.
Reward: 'The Gift that Keeps on Giving' by Lynn Bartlett, Orkney, commissioned especially for this campaign and limited edition - 20 for 2020!