Ayr, Greens Playhouse

Theatre facade overlooking Boswell Park.  In this view, the rear elevation of the Gaiety Theatre, shrouded in scaffolding, is visible at the left hand side of the image.  The Gaiety Theatre was dark and was undergoing external repairs during the Spring of 2010


“Plans were passed yesterday by Ayr Dean of Guild Court for the erection of a picture house at Boswell Park by Messrs Green (Ltd.) The new cinema is to replace the Playhouse, which was destroyed by fire last September. The auditorium will seat 3104 persons, while the crush halls and tearooms will accommodate 840.”

Ayr Picture House Plans (The Scotsman, Saturday 26th April, 1930, p.15)

“Yesterday afternoon the fine new building to be known as Green’s New Playhouse, erected in Boswell Park, Ayr, on the site of the former building destroyed by fire in September 1929, was opened to the public. Provost Wilson, in presence of a large company, performing the opening ceremony. The New Playhouse, which is stated to be the second largest in Scotland, has a seating capacity of over 3000, and is finely equipped in every way. The Western Electric talking apparatus is installed.”

(The Scotsman, Thursday 9th July, 1931, p.9)

Date: 29 April 2010
Photographer: ©Mike Bailey

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