Citizens Theatre counts down to homecoming with first projects announced
Citizens Theatre unveils first stage productions and homecoming celebrations as countdown to August reopening begins!
Article Source: Citizens Theatre
Last Updated: 6 March 2025 7:47
Image Credit: Mark Liddell
The Citizens Theatre will invite its Gorbals neighbours and the wider Glasgow community to get involved in its opening celebrations as one of the city’s most treasured cultural venues prepares to reopen its doors later this year. Today, audiences are given a first glimpse of the activity that will welcome them back. Tickets to the first stage productions will go on sale at the end of March.
As redevelopment works on site at the iconic theatre move into their final phase, Glasgow locals will be among the first people invited to come and experience the building afresh. They will be invited to cross the threshold as part of a homecoming festival in late summer that will see the Citz burst into life again with readings, sharings, exhibitions, tours and workshops celebrating the theatre’s past, present, and future.
The celebrations will kick off an opening season which sees community sitting at the heart of the activities, as creative life returns to all corners of the building for the first time in seven years. In that time period, the Citizens Theatre has continued to present shows on stages across the city and on tour, and its participation work with individuals and communities has never stopped. It has also commissioned and developed new work with over ten different writers, three of which are featured in the opening programme of work.
The first production on the mainstage will be Small Acts of Love, a major new work about the bonds formed between families on both sides of the Atlantic in the wake of the Pan Am 103 atrocity. Commissioned by the Citizens Theatre, and presented in association with the National Theatre of Scotland, the new theatrical and musical collaboration between playwright Frances Poet and composer Ricky Ross (Deacon Blue) has been painstakingly researched and developed with support from families and communities who were directly affected. This story of love, friendship, and community will be brought to life by a large ensemble cast and band and will premiere in September 2025.
Further main-stage productions in the Autumn will include Douglas Maxwell’s brilliant Glasgow-set comedy So Young, exploring mid-life meltdowns, grief and love with hilarious situational humour. Co-commissioned by the Citz, Raw Material and the Traverse Theatre, it premiered at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe to award-winning acclaim. It will now be presented to Glasgow audiences for the first time. So Young is a Raw Material and Traverse Theatre production in association with the Citizens Theatre.
An ambitious new production of the seminal Tennessee Williams drama The Glass Menagerie, presented by Dundee Rep Theatre in association with the Citizens Theatre, will also visit in the autumn.
Towards the end of the year, audiences can look forward to the return of the much-loved Citz Christmas show, with a new, specially commissioned festive production of Beauty and the Beast. Written by Lewis Hetherington, this flamboyant, funny, and heartwarming take on the classic fairytale will delight audiences of all ages. Meanwhile, the new Studio Theatre will host The Gift, for younger visitors aged 18months – 5 years, as part of the festive programme. Winner of a CATS award for Best Show for Children and Young People, this show by Barrowland Ballet explores the true joy that can come from the imagination and will visit Glasgow for the first time.
The transformational redevelopment of the Citzens Theatre, the first since the Category B-listed building began life as a working theatre in 1878, has brought the building into the 21st century while carefully preserving its unique Victorian heritage. From the iconic auditorium and stagehouse to the historic under stage machinery and working paint frame, (one of the last of its kind in the UK), the design of the building by Bennetts Associates has opened up public access to the building’s heritage.
Now audiences and artists will be able to benefit from resources including new accessible rehearsal, participation, and studio spaces, supporting expanded activities for communities and offering Scotland’s rich ecology of theatre companies new spaces to rehearse and perform in.
This includes a newly designed 150-seat Studio Theatre, which sits at the heart of the building and will be officially opened by two of the theatre’s Participate groups later this year, when the Young Co. and the Community Collective present new pieces of work entitled The Close and Game On.
A new and expanded Participate programme will be launched in the coming months, offering a range of opportunities to build connections and nurture the creativity and skills of theatre-makers from all communities, especially those traditionally marginalised - underlining the inclusive spirit that will make the theatre a valuable creative hub for the whole city. Accessibility and affordability have been central to the theatre’s plans for reopening. Ensuring there are ticket prices for all pockets is a key part of those plans.
Launching a brand-new membership scheme, annual Theatre Pass holders will save the more they visit. For an annual £30 fee (just £2.50/month), audiences can be first in line for tickets with priority booking as well as enjoy discounts and 2for1 offers. Moreover, early booking bargain-hunters can snap up tickets for less than £20 through the theatre’s new ‘Lucky Dip’ promotion that discounts top price tickets by 50%.
In addition, the theatre’s longstanding commitment to its Gorbals neighbours will continue through a new Gorbals Pass giving access to tickets for just £5 for locals with a G5 postcode.
Additional low-priced offers will also be available for under 30’s, those on low income and those with access requirements.
Available across all seats and performances if booked in advance, memberships only require a straightforward sign-up process to access the discounts.
Tickets for the first productions will go on sale to audiences at the end of March. Full details can be found at citz.co.uk
Dominic Hill, Artistic Director, Citizens Theatre said: “This is a very special moment as we start to unveil an exciting programme of shows and opportunities in the new theatre – for the first time in seven years. The first few months of programming reflects our commitment to both innovation and tradition, with more to be announced over the coming months. While the Citz has always celebrated the great works of drama from the past, the new theatre must look forward too and we’ve been working hard to develop new plays that showcase the talent of writers and artists working in Scotland. These new works embody the spirit of what this theatre has always stood for—creativity, community, and a deep connection to the city of Glasgow. I can’t wait for audiences old and new, local and global, to experience these brilliant productions in a transformed Citizens Theatre, that will inspire audiences and great storytelling.”
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Jo Malone London arrives at Silverburn
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has announced that British fragrance house, Jo Malone London, has opened its doors today.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted
There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC
Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MORE
Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign
Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MORE
Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MORE
Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities
Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MORE
Merry go round Celebrates National Lottery Boost for Volunteers
Glasgow charity and social enterprise Merry-go-round is celebrating after receiving £18,000 in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.
READ MORE
SAMH takes The Nook on tour across Glasgow
A specially created preview of The Nook mental health support hub will be popping up in some of Glasgow’s most renowned locations.
READ MORE
Popular independent lifestyle brand Oliver Bonas confirmed for Silverburn
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has announced it has secured popular independent fashion, jewellery and homewares retailer, Oliver Bonas.
READ MORE
Romesh Ranganathan to join Sheridan Smith in Woman in Mind at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Romesh Ranganathan will make his stage debut in a new production of Alan Ayckbourn's psychological comedy Woman In Mind, in a strictly limited engagement at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow.
READ MORE
Original cast of Horrible Histories take to the stage at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
The Theatre Royal, Glasgow has announced an additional performance of Horrible Histories – The Concert coming to the venue from Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd March.
READ MORE
Free Film&Screen Saturday Club launches in Glasgow for 13 to 16 year olds
Teenagers in Glasgow are being offered a chance to step behind the camera and into a studio with the launch of a brand-new Film&Screen Saturday Club that's free to join and open to 13-16 year olds.
READ MORE
Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir
Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MORE
First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards
Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MORE
Step inside the House of Horrors at Somewhere by Nico
This October, Somewhere by Nico on Byres Road dares guests to enter The House of Horrors, a 5-course cocktail experience inspired by some of cinema's most iconic fright-fests.
READ MORE
Totally fetch casting update for Scottish premiere of Mean Girls
Emily Lane will star as Cady Heron alongside Vivian Panka as Regina George when Mean Girls The Musical comes to Glasgow's King's Theatre next summer!
READ MORE
Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History
Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MORE
Last chance to see Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition at SEC Glasgow
The hugely popular experience, Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition, will end its very successful Glasgow run on 26th October 2025.
READ MORE
Mattel and Glasgow Life announce Barbie: The Exhibition is set to make Scottish debut at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Barbie®: The Exhibition is set to make its Scottish debut at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum from 13 June 2026!
READ MORE
Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.
READ MORE
Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign
The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.
READ MORE
Silverburn to host annual job fair with over 100 roles available
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, is inviting job seekers looking to gain retail experience to its annual Job Fair on Friday 10th October, 10am – 5pm in the main atrium.
READ MORE
RSNO leader Maya Iwabuchi celebrated in new portrait by Gerard M Burns
Artist Gerard M Burns has revealed a new portrait of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra's Leader, Maya Iwabuchi as part of his Mother Glasgow project.
READ MORE
Flight Club Glasgow to throw an epic 10th birthday party on 13th October
Flight Club is turning 10 in October and taking the celebrations on a UK-wide birthday tour, with a month of parties in each city it calls home!
READ MORE
Dirty Dancing, The Classic Story on Stage, returns to Glasgow
Producer Karl Sydow is delighted to announce that Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage will be touring the UK and Ireland from summer 2026.
READ MORE
Extra Tickets Released: True Crime Live with David Swindle comes to Glasgow
Due to high demand, extra tickets have been released for True Crime Live: Murder – A Search for the Truth with international crime expert David Swindle.
READ MORE
Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol
With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!
READ MORE
Citz new Studio Theatre opens on 8th October with Young Co celebration of the legendary Close Theatre Club
The final space in the Citizens Theatre's acclaimed seven-year redevelopment opens this week on Wednesday 8th October.
READ MORE
COSMO St Enoch introduces initiative to encourage multi gen dining
Ye cannae shove yer granny aff a bus - but you can take her for a free meal at COSMO St Enoch!
READ MORE
Record turn out for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run
Glasgow's city centre was transformed into a festival of running as thousands took part in the 10K and Half Marathon, cheered on by over 100,000 supporters as part of the city's famous spirit.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links