Gaiety Theatre, Ayr
Encyclopedia
Built in 1902, the Gaiety Theatre is a category B listed performing arts venue in Ayr
, Scotland
. It is noted for its interior rococo
features, its atmosphere and its acoustics.
During its 106-year history, its stage saw performances from comedians, singers, variety acts and icons such as Sir Harry Lauder
, the jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli
, Jimmy Logan
and a host of other stars.
The Gaiety held its last show on Saturday 31 January 2009. The show "The Gaiety Big Band Gala" produced by musicians George Rodger and Jon Ritchie raised funds for the Ayrshire Hospice.
After its closure, South Ayrshire
Council has taken a number of steps to protect and preserve the unique building until a decision is taken about the theatre's future. It is reported that it will be reopening after some time closed, with free admission the 1st week open.
Ayr
Ayr is a town and port situated on the Firth of Clyde in south-west Scotland. With a population of around 46,000, Ayr is the largest settlement in Ayrshire, of which it is the county town, and has held royal burgh status since 1205...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
. It is noted for its interior rococo
Rococo
Rococo , also referred to as "Late Baroque", is an 18th-century style which developed as Baroque artists gave up their symmetry and became increasingly ornate, florid, and playful...
features, its atmosphere and its acoustics.
During its 106-year history, its stage saw performances from comedians, singers, variety acts and icons such as Sir Harry Lauder
Harry Lauder
Sir Henry Lauder , known professionally as Harry Lauder, was an international Scottish entertainer, described by Sir Winston Churchill as "Scotland's greatest ever ambassador!"-Early life:...
, the jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli
Stéphane Grappelli
Stéphane Grappelli was a French jazz violinist who founded the Quintette du Hot Club de France with guitarist Django Reinhardt in 1934. It was one of the first all-string jazz bands....
, Jimmy Logan
Jimmy Logan
Jimmy Logan OBE, FRSAMD , born as James Allan Short, Dennistoun, Glasgow, was a Scottish performer, producer, impresario and director.-Family:...
and a host of other stars.
The Gaiety held its last show on Saturday 31 January 2009. The show "The Gaiety Big Band Gala" produced by musicians George Rodger and Jon Ritchie raised funds for the Ayrshire Hospice.
After its closure, South Ayrshire
South Ayrshire
South Ayrshire is one of 32 council areas of Scotland, covering the southern part of Ayrshire. It borders onto East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway....
Council has taken a number of steps to protect and preserve the unique building until a decision is taken about the theatre's future. It is reported that it will be reopening after some time closed, with free admission the 1st week open.