Ayr Civic Theatre Demolition
A Tale of Two Theatres: The Phoenix and an Albatross?
South Ayrshire Council agreed to the demolition of Ayr's Civic Theatre at their meeting on 17th December, 2009. The Theatre was identified as "surplus to requirement" in a review of council properties earlier in the year.
Following the meeting, councillors were quoted in the national press as applauding the decision to clear the site.
Councillor Bill Grant claimed, “I’m delighted that we’re taking this step. I hope it proves to be the beginning of a new attitude towards buildings such as the Civic that have lain derelict for many years. The sad thing is this town used to have three theatres and now it has none, but I hope very much to see the key turned on the Gaiety once again.” Other commentators might see other causes for sadness when faced by this cavalier contempt for their cultural values.
Similarly, a member of the people's party, Councillor Douglas Campbell expressed a measure of joy and supported the demolition, saying, “I welcome the process of demolishing properties that are needlessly costing us money.
However, there are contrary views. Councillor Phil Saxton (labour), made a last ditch bid to save the theatre, with a motion to delay the demolition. He has expressed the view that demolition is an expensive waste of money and reminds us that while the Council is attempting to save money it is spending almost £120,000 clearing and landscaping the site. He finds this readiness to vandalise our heritage as too costly to be supported.
Now, some four weeks after the decision to destroy the building a saviour arrives in true theatrical fashion - the belief that the theatre might be a home for some of Ayr's bat means that any plans must be shelved until the issue is explored.
Bats are a protected species, and it is believed that they may be roosting inside the building. If the survey uncovers evidence of the bats, demolition would be delayed until at least the end of the year and their removal could add to the cost of the final solution for this building.
The Civic Theatre, formerly the Robertson Memorial Church, served the burgh from 1951 until closed due to concerns regarding asbestos in the structure. Despite substantial improvements in the late 1990's, the building has been allowed to deteriorate in recent years and has not been available for local organisations.
Ayr Civic Theatre viewed from Fire Station Roundabout
©M.Bailey
The links below refer to theatre facilities in Ayr.
Opposition to Council Proposal for demolition of the Civic Theatre.
Council decision to demolish Civic Theatre
Bats in the Belfry?
Ayr Citadel Pantomime struggles for success.
The original news item on the Civic Demolition is in our news archive
MB
Ayr Civic Theatre
Many South Ayrshire residents will have happy memories of the Civic Theatre as audience and performers. The passing of this building, regarded as a tourist attraction in the 1960's and 1970's with the provision of 12 week Summer Repertory programme by the Victor Graham Players, is a time for reflection on what had been a vibrant and thriving venue. Victor Graham.s 1963 season included the popular dramas and comedies Doctor at Sea, Touch of Fear, Plaintiff in a Pretty Hat, Big Killing and The Little Hut.
Among the many groups using the theatre on a regular basis were the Ayr Fort Players, Ayr Players, The Compass Club, a variety of dance schools and Young farmer Groups in addition to the summer repertory group and the numerous touring shows.
The Ayrshire Arts Festival, founded in 1983, was a regular user of this venue, presenting the Wildcat Theatre Group and many other touring shows.
The theatre had a well equipped stage and dressing room facilities and, in the 1970's had a collection of scenery for use by the repertory company and the local amateur groups
National records indicate that the Church was built in 1901 and was known as the Robertson memorial Church. The building was converted to theatre with foyer/ticket office at W end, toilet block to S and lift/stairs to balcony on N side in 1951, with subsequent alterations to the tearoom and auditorium entrance.
The theatre opened in the Spring of 1951 with a performance of George Bernard Shaw's "Arms and the Man".
Note: The reference to the building having been Our Saviour's Church, Fotheringham Ave on the Historic Scotland Listed Building database is incorrect.
Performance of The Playboy of the Western World by J. M. Synge. Compass Club production. ©M.Bailey
Performance of The Importamce of Being Earnest.
Compass Club production.
©M.Bailey