Green's Playhouse (Ayr)

The Playhouse, Ayr is the finest remaining complete example of a classic John Fairweather Green’s Playhouse.

The Ayr Playhouse opened on 8th July 1931, a replacement for an earlier Playhouse on the site, which had burnt down. At that time it was the second largest cinema in the country.

Ayr’s Playhouse auditorium featured a small central dome feature, a series of large Corinthian columns running down the side walls with boxes between them, and a square proscenium flanked by large pillars. The alterations for bingo do not detract from the impressive scale and design of the interior.

The Playhouse was listed Category C(s) in 1999, and in 2008 this was upgraded to Category B.


It should be noted that the building history on the Theatre Trust database differs from local records and the Historic Scotland database which dates the current structure to 1930.  The information below is drawn from the Theatre Trust database and may be subject to amendment.

Building Details

Green’s Picturedrome of 1911 was a conversion from a roller skating rink. The Picturedrome was converted to the original Playhouse in 1922 and destroyed by fire the following year.

The present building was erected in 1924. It became a bingo house in 1965. Crude and dominating harled brick edifice typical of its period of stylistic transition, incorporating elements of earlier building. Symmetrical façe with large pediment concealing projection box over central five bays and debased classical details. Three doors with tall windows and fanlight above.

As with so many cine-variety venues, it is the interior which delights. The foyers are solidly classical with weighty Ionic pilasters and white marble floors and balustrading. The auditorium, which originally seated 3,104, has one enormous balcony. On either side, giant Ionic orders with superimposed boxes soar triumphantly to the heavily beamed ceiling. The wide stage now contains the no smoking section of bingo tables.

History

Boswell Park, Ayr
Built: 1924
Dates of use: 1924 - 1965
Current state: Extant
Current use: Bingo


Capacities: Original: 3104, Later: 1951: 3116


Architect

1924 Design/Construction: John Fairweather - Architect


Management
1911 Owner/Management: Green’s Picturedrome
1922 Owner/Management: George Green Ltd, proprietors
1970 Owner/Management: Mecca Ltd, proprietors.


Listings: Grade B


Stage

Dimensions:  Proscenium width: 15.25m (52ft)

Building information based on the database of the Theatre Trust and Scottish Heritage.

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