WRAPPING UP 2023
Douglas, Lynn, Aisha & Anna ready to close the door for Christmas!
It seems very fitting to do our end of year wrap up in tune with the Winter Solstice! To be employed at Leith Theatre sure does bring out your weather watcher superpower.
As we hurtle towards Christmas, it’s astonishing how swiftly the months have flown by, leaving us to ponder on the last year. Although we are starting our year as we finished, wrapped up and layered in thermals, we’ve also basked in lots of sunny highlights along the way.
In February, the stage came alive with Young Fathers rehearsing in our main auditorium to an empty audience before embarking on their European Tour. Enjoying a private gig while sipping soup in the gods remains a cherished memory, one that became a standout moment as Young Father’s soared through their successful year.
Scottish Chamber Orchestra in the Main Auditorium, September 2023
The 2023 calendar was adorned with creative gems nestled amongst a year of carefully planned and significant building renovations. June saw us revelling in Leith Links, dancing to the sound of The Proclaimers as everything felt quite close to home. Episode two is now available for Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s 2023/24 Digital series shot in the Main Auditorium, another highlight that brought beautiful scores and top tier lunch time entertainment for the team who watched from above. Our program was sprinkled with creativity throughout, fostering a vibrant cultural tapestry.
MacFadyen’s preservation adding plaster boards to a Main Auditorium window, December 2023. Photo by Ritchie Elder
Throughout the year, our focus on the building's renovation has been a prevailing highlight and one we have spoken about a lot. Project managing extensive ongoing work has meant we have accumulated vast building knowledge and managed to get up, close and mucky in the process . Since April there has hardly been a day without one company/contractor or another onsite, helping to improve building health and to take us forward to make real plans for the future of the venue. We’ve forged friendships, sipped countless coffees and delved deep into the intricacies of plastering. We almost feel confident enough to give it a go ourselves!
Strategically, our year was about preparing to get to The City of Edinburgh Council Committee, aiming to secure a long-term lease for the venue. September marked a monumental month after securing an agreement in principle for a 50-year lease, paving the way for new horizons.
On the frontline, our unwavering focus on health and safety reached a pinnacle moment in November with the replacement of the grid 11.5m above the main stage. The revamp not only ensures people can now work safely at height but also provided over 30 additional rigging points, a small but crucial puzzle piece for future lighting and performance needs.
Another significant highlight emerged through a programme of workshops and educational initiatives. It seems so long since our two-month programme in Spring in partnership with Police Scotland and Places For People. Beat The Cycle not only provided support, but it also created a space for so many interesting stories on stage and brought a focus on wellbeing and fitness. Fancy trying trampolining anyone?
Film and film education has once again been a key feature. What a joy to host so many workshops and forums throughout the year and continue to foster connections across the industry. More of that in 2024 please.
Aisha in the Main Auditorium, 2023. Photo by Ritchie Elder
One of our biggest wins and our recruitment highlight was welcoming the newest member of our team, Aisha. How many people start their new job attending an Edinburgh International Film Festival premiere of a feature film shot entirely in their new workplace? After doing just that on her first day in August, Aisha navigates the intriguing story of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’s festival journey while promoting Leith Theatre as it goes on tour on screens.
Still from ‘Bananacide’ trailer shot on location at Leith Theatre, October 2023
More recently the Main Auditorium was the setting for something a little different, and quite frankly we cannot wait to see the final edit of Bananacide come to fruit-ion! We were immersed in the whole process and it’s great to be able to give earlier career stage filmmakers an opportunity.
We close the year with our Heritage highlight of 2023. We have led group tours throughout the building all year. Welcoming visitors, despite ongoing renovations, and sharing Leith Theatre’s rich heritage and toasting with friends old and new – with more to come through 2024!
In essence, it’s been a year of growth, achievements and some unforgettable moments. That’s what it’s all about isn’t it.
We thank you for everyone’s support this year and eagerly anticipate 2024’s adventures!
Wishing everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year 💙