A stellar cast of local talent is ready to raise the roof when the curtain goes up at the revamped Adam Smith Theatre.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Thursday) for a rousing mix of music, drama and dance which will thrill audiences when the red carpet is rolled out at the LIGHTS ON Grand Opening on 23 September.
Radio, TV and panto star Grant Stott will compere the big night, which organisers have promised will “surprise, delight and entertain”.
Entertainment will be provided by some of the many amateur groups to have graced the Adam Smith stage over the years.
Showcasing the very best of the local performing arts is a clear marker that the revitalised cultural hub will have the community at its heart.
What promises to be a milestone event in the cultural life of the town – and the wider Fife community – is also an opportunity to let audiences take in the new look space.
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.
Audiences can marvel at the refurbished foyer, new-look café/bar and revamped auditorium. They can also glimpse fully equipped spaces for community use, a design suite for creative professionals and new spaces for business and corporate events.
Cultural charity OnFife, which runs the venue, says the Adam Smith will be so much more than a theatre, so they will do all they can to ensure the widest community buy in.
OnFife Chief Executive Heather Stuart said: “There’s a real wow factor about the new-look venue, but its people who bring it to life – so we can’t wait to welcome back our music, drama and dance groups, as well as all of our loyal audiences.
“This has been a major capital investment by Fife Council, not only in the future of this wonderful venue but in the town centre of Kirkcaldy.”
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.
Famous names who have walked its stage include singer David Bowie, comedian Tommy Cooper, actor James McAvoy, entertainer Jimmy Logan and former Prime Ministers, James Callaghan and Gordon Brown.
OnFife’s Director of Creative Development, Michelle Sweeney, said: “We are so excited to have the doors open once again, with the red carpet out in your honour. So, get your glad rags out and join us for what promises to be a true experience to remember.”
LIGHTS ON is at 3pm and 7.30pm on 23 September. Tickets are £22 and £18 for concessions – £15 each for anyone buying four or more and are available at
onfife.com
