Glasgow celebrates as Citizens Theatre reopens with Homecoming Festival

The Citizens Theatre reopened its doors at the weekend after a 7-year redevelopment welcoming everybody to its Homecoming celebrations.

Article Source: Citizens Theatre
Last Updated: 25 August 2025 8:31

Image: Tragedy and Comedy puppets, alongside Citizens Theatre participants, officially welcome visitors back into the building – photo Eoin Carey

Kicking off the celebrations, Gorbals residents and Citizens Theatre participatory groups joined a vibrant community procession, which walked from local community hub The Barn to the front of the Citizens Theatre. Leading the procession were two specially crafted puppets – Comedy and Tragedy – inspired by two of the Greek goddess statues on top of the theatre, Melpomene (Tragedy) and Thalia (Comedy). As they travelled through some of the new housing that has emerged whilst they've been gone, community performances and interactive moments invited everyone to take part in the story. The procession ended at the new Citizens Theatre, where alongside performances of poetry and song, a co-created living heritage banner was unveiled – a beautiful artwork made with neighbours and the wider community, celebrating the many voices, cultures, and stories that shape the theatre’s home.

Catrin Evans, Participate Director, Citizens Theatre, said: “It was important to us that the reopening of the Citizens Theatre was co-created with our community and that those who crossed the threshold first represented our future as well as our past. I am delighted to see so many new and familiar faces today as we celebrate not just this moment of reopening, but the possibilities ahead that our building and the work we make inside it can offer. The energy and creativity as we have come together for the opening celebrations has been truly inspiring as we mark this new chapter in the story of the Citizens Theatre.”

The doors to the Citizens Theatre now remain open for an Open House weekend of free celebratory activities on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August. Following the weekend, festivities continue between 28 August and 05 September with a series of bookable activities including First Look building tours, taster workshops and special events designed to welcome even more people into the newly reopened Citizens Theatre.

More information about all workshops and tours is available from citz.co.uk

Homecoming moves onto the stage, as live performance makes its long-awaited return to the Citizens Theatre - launching a landmark year of bold storytelling and unmissable theatre. Opening the main stage on 12 September is Small Acts of Love, a powerful new play by Frances Poet, with music and lyrics by Deacon Blue’s Ricky Ross. Inspired by true events, it tells the moving story of the extraordinary friendships forged between Lockerbie residents and American families in the wake of the Pan Am 103 atrocity. Featuring a large ensemble cast of 14 and a live roots band, this is powerful theatre with heart and humanity.

Then in October, the new 150-seat Studio Theatre is opened with two productions devised and presented by the theatre’s Participate groups – Close by the Young Co, which opens on 08 October, and Making Your Mark by the Citz Community Collective, which opens on 22 October.

The Citizens Theatre’s redevelopment and Homecoming celebrations have been made possible thanks to the generous support of key funders – including the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Creative Scotland – alongside a wide range of trusts, foundations and individual supporters as well as the many local organisations whose collaboration and support has been instrumental.

Kate Denby, Executive Director, Citizens Theatre, said: “The reopening of the Citizens Theatre marks a hugely significant moment for everyone who holds this theatre close to their heart. This day has felt a long time coming, but it is testament to the love and warmth for the Citz and the commitment of everyone involved to get us to this moment - including our funders Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Creative Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland. We’re delighted that so many people have joined us today for the start of our Homecoming celebrations and we can’t wait to see how the people of Glasgow will bring our building to life.”

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Buchanan Galleries Christmas Cracker takes Childrens Hospital Charity guest donations to more than 100K

Charity donations from generous Christmas shoppers at Buchanan Galleries helped amass an impressive £66,000 during the festive season alone!

Mowgli Street Food Introduces the new 600 calorie Lite Tiffin

Healthy, hearty and great value at just £15 per person - Mowgli's new Lite Tiffin launches this January.

Return to Middle Earth as The Lord of The Rings Trilogy celebrates its 25th anniversary at Vue

One of the most iconic and beloved fantasy trilogies of all time, The Lord of The Rings, is returning to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Scottish actor Joe McFadden to lead acclaimed stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

The Theatre Royal Glasgow is delighted to announce that The Shawshank Redemption, the acclaimed stage adaptation of Stephen King's 1982 novella, will come to the venue in March!

16.5 million visits make 2025 best year yet for Silverburn

Silverburn has welcomed a record 16.5 million visits over the past year, marking 2025 as its busiest year to date and underlining its status as Scotland's leading shopping and leisure destination.

Scottish Ensemble spotlights future string stars with Musical Encounters

Scottish Ensemble begins an exciting 2026 with the return of their Young Artist programme, helping to develop the next generation of Scotland's young string players.

Celebrate love with your PAWfect Valentine at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!

Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi

Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.

Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale

Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!

Glasgow Film Festival 2026 to open with UK Premiere of Everybody To Kenmure Street

A documentary about one of Scotland's most spontaneous and successful acts of civil resistance in recent memory will open Glasgow Film Festival's 22nd edition on 25th February!

Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club

If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!

Calling all Gingers!

The IRN-BRU Carnival is showing appreciation to any fellow fiery headed pals by offering a bonus ride voucher to anyone visiting with ginger hair on Sunday 11th January!

Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026

The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.

Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot

Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!

Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026

Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!

Full casting announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical

Full casting has been announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical which will have its Scottish premiere at The King's Theatre Glasgow in April!

Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.

Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary

Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.

Silverburn expands leisure offering with new Pilates studio

Silverburn guests can kick-start their 2026 wellness journey with the arrival of the first Haus of Pilates studio.

Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot

Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!

Christmas has come early! Glasgow youngster wins the entire DreamToys list in national competition

One very lucky youngster from Glasgow has been crowned the winner of an incredible festive giveaway – taking home all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.

Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year

Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!

The River Inn launches dream wedding reception giveaway worth thousands

One lucky couple to win a luxury wedding reception for up to 100 guests... completely free!

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong crashes into the Kings Theatre Glasgow

Multi-award winning company Mischief return to the King's Theatre Glasgow with their new stage show – Christmas Carol Goes Wrong!

Christmas drawing by 11 year old Glasgow schoolgirl lights up the city

An 11-year-old Glasgow schoolgirl has seen her Christmas drawing light up the city after it was transformed into a glowing display as part of this year’s festive light trail.

Scottish Doctor Who actor to lead The Woman in Black at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

PW Productions is delighted to announce casting for Susan Hill's The Woman in Black, as it returns to the Theatre Royal Glasgow.

Scottish dancer to appear in The Red Shoes in first tour stop in Glasgow

The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to reveal the full cast and tour dates for Matthew Bourne's double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes.

Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas

Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!