It’s Lights On and curtains up at the Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy this Saturday (23 September) as the transformed venue reopens its doors after an absence of three years.
Nearly a thousand people will walk up the red carpet for the Lights On Grand Opening show, which will be a rousing mix of music, drama and dance and will be compered by radio DJ, actor and TV presenter Grant Stott.
Around 250 performers from ten local groups will be taking to the stage for two performances of the show.
The venue will be revealed in all its glory following a three-year project to turn what was a traditional civic theatre into a modern creative hub.
“We are beyond thrilled to have the Adam Smith back, not just as a much-improved theatre venue but as a centre for creativity and culture for Kirkcaldy and beyond,” said Michelle Sweeney, Director of Creative Development at OnFife, the cultural charity which operates the venue on behalf of Fife Council.
“The investment by Fife Council has safeguarded the future of this much-loved building and we can’t wait to build on the fantastic momentum created by Lights On and welcome people to the exciting range of shows coming up, including the much-anticipated return of panto to the theatre, the Spinning Top café and bar, Design Suite and so much more.”
Council Leader, Councillor David Ross, added: “I’m delighted to see the Council’s investment to refurbish the Adam Smith Theatre completed and the very special venue ready to welcome people back in. It is an important cultural asset that benefits both Kirkcaldy and the wider Fife area as well as being a vital asset to the local tourism sector.
“The creative hub is set to bring many new opportunities for the benefit of local people and visitors from a much-loved listed building in the heart of the town centre.”
Commenting on the Lights On show, Karen Taylor, Community Events and Programme Manager, said: “The commitment and passion from all the groups involved has been amazing and we’re very fortunate that Kirkcaldy has such a richness of talent to draw on. I’d also in particular say a big thank you to Judith Kerr and Ann Urquhart, leading stalwarts in the local music and drama community, for all their support in bringing this fantastic show together.”
The groups taking part are: Auld Kirk Players, Dysart Colliery Silver Band Ensemble, East Fife Ladies Choir, Fife Opera, Kingdom Theatre Company, Kirkcaldy Amateur Operatic Society, Kirkcaldy Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Kirkcaldy Youth Music Theatre, Stages Dance School and The Songburds.
The theatre was opened on 11 October 1899 by another famous Fifer, industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, to honour the hugely influential economist and philosopher Adam Smith, who was born in Kirkcaldy 300 years ago. It was funded by a bequest of £50,000 left by Provost Michael Beveridge.
Major renovations were carried out to mark the 250th anniversary of Adam Smith’s birth in 1973, and a new-look venue emerged to cater for the changing needs of the community. Now the 300th anniversary has been marked by another reinvention of this iconic building.
For more details of the facilities at the venue and the upcoming programme, visit onfife.com
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For further information contact Sheona Small, press officer, 07809 727 989 or email sheona.small@onfife.com
Notes to editors: OnFife is a registered charity and manages and operates theatres, libraries, museums and galleries and cultural partnerships on behalf of Fife Council for people living, working and visiting Fife. Further information can be found at www.onfife.com
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