Barrfields Pavilion
The Barrfields Pavilion Theatre (Barrfields Theatre, Barrfields Pavilion Theatre) is a 500-seat theatre at Barrfields, Largs, North Ayrshire.[1]
Background
Barrfields Pavilion was officially opened on 11 April 1930, as a variety theatre for the small town of Largs, North Ayrshire. Originally seating 1003, it was home to the lavish Barrfields Summer Season Revues. Many international Scottish entertainers and actors have played the theatre over the years including Rikki Fulton, Jack Milroy, Jimmy Logan, Stanley Baxter, The Krankies, Ronnie Corbett, Johnny Beattie, Billy Connolly and from south of the border, Frankie Vaughan and Pat Kirkwood. It was generally regarded as one of Scotland's highest quality variety theatres.
Over the past 75 years, it has been home to local companies Largs Amateur Operatic Society, Largs Players and now Largs Youth Theatre, who present pantomimimes, musicals, operettas, variety and plays in the theatre throughout the year.
Refurbishment
The theatre was refurbished in 1995, reconstructed alongside a new centre at Barrfields Theatre and Pool called Vikingar. Seating was reduced to 500, and new spacious foyers were created along with dressing room block, Winter Garden Cafe Bar, and new stage facilities.
The theatre is now owned by North Ayrshire Council and under the management of North Ayrshire Leisure Entertainments.
The Barrfields Theatre has a programme which has a strong tradition of amateur dramatic productions, popular children's entertainments, variety, Scottish plays, ballet and fashionable touring productions and more staged throughout the year.
Revival
In March 2012, a new voluntary charity was set up to develop and promote the Barrfields Theatre facility. The new group aims to restore Barrfields into one of Scotland's busiest theatres - creating a dynamic, arts centre for the local community and visitors to the town.
The Board
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Chair | Ryan Moir |
| Secretary | Drew Cochrane |
| Treasurer | David Page |
| Audience Development Officer | |
| Theatre Technician | Stuart McKinnon |
| Members | Sandy Cunningham |
| Anne Glenton | |
| Andrew Braniff | |
| Thomas Duff | |
| Morag Robertson |
Location
The theatre is situated as part of the Vikingar leisure Centre, Barrfields, Greenock Road, Largs.
This is part of the municipal policies of Barrfields along with the sports ground and putting green.
The theatre is home to the Largs Youth Theatre who have their own dedicated rehearsal space within the complex.
References
- ↑ "It's all show for theatre anniversary". Evening Times. 8 September 2005.
A series of shows have been lined up to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Barrfields Pavilion theatre in Largs.
Coordinates: 55°48′03″N 4°52′06″W / 55.8007°N 4.8684°W