The Gaiety

For over 100 years, we’ve hosted the very best in Scottish Variety. Situated in the heart of Ayrshire, The Gaiety is the last of its kind on the British Mainland and one of the oldest theatres in Scotland.

After a forced closure in 2009, there was a real threat the doors would never re-open but, just four years later, and with hard-won backing from local and national government, The Gaiety was reborn and brought to life with a small core staff team and large volunteer base. Our volunteer community is at the heart of everything we do. Their passion and determination helps our ‘great wee theatre’ grow from strength to strength.

Ayr Gaiety Partnership, is a charity formed by local residents with an ambition to do much more than simply re-open the building. Our vision is to re-energise the performing arts in South Ayrshire, with the Gaiety Theatre as the hub of a network of venues that will stimulate the cultural life and economic prosperity of the area ensuring that Ayr will once again be a key destination for all those interested in the performing arts.

With 584 seats in the Main Auditorium and 75 in our Studio Theatre, Ayr Gaiety has the unique capacity to accommodate almost every type of show. Every seat in the Theatre offers a unique view of the stage with unrivalled acoustics and an intimate atmosphere.

Beyond our programme at The Gaiety we have recently taken over programming for four additional South Ayrshire Venues including: Ayr Town Hall, Citadel, Maybole Town Hall and Troon Concert Hall.

Our facilities extend to the adjoining Stage Door Café which is a family friendly bar and restaurant open daily from 10am – 11pm serving fantastic food in a relaxed setting- perfect for a quick latte with friends or a pre-theatre dinner. The Stage Door Café opened its doors in early 2013 and quickly established itself as one of Ayrshire’s favourite eateries.

The Ayrshire Youth Arts Network based at Impact Arts in Irvine and The Gaiety’s ‘Act Out!’ Community Theatre are continuing to develop with opportunities for young and old throughout Ayrshire. Our ‘Learning Theatre’ in partnership with University of the West of Scotland is continuing to grow with our first cohort of BA Technical Theatre students set to graduate in July 2015.

For more information please check out our website: www.ayrgaiety.co.uk