Perth Theatre, past and present...

Perth Theatre is one of Scotland’s oldest and most respected theatres with an important place in the history of Scottish theatre. The foundation stone was laid in 1899 by George Alexander, famous for his work with Oscar Wilde and when it opened in 1900, the interior was described as "one of the finest in Scotland."  The B listed auditorium is an excellent example of late Victorian design.

Perth Theatre’s trailblazing reputation can be traced back to its origins. Perth Theatre was home to Scotland's first repertory theatre company founded in 1935, hosted the first Scottish Theatre Festival in 1939 and was the first company to tour in the Scottish Highlands in the 1940’s.   

Perth Theatre has been and remains a fertile industry training ground for theatre arts and crafts. Actors such as the young Alex Guinness have taken to the stage at Perth Theatre and more recently Ewan McGregor began his acting career at Perth Theatre.

We have an archive and collection of artefacts, memorabilia and costumes stretching back to 1935 along with a treasure trove of memories and associations that have ensured a place for Perth Theatre at the heart of cultural and community life in Scotland for more than a century.

Since 2005, the theatre has been managed by the Horsecross Arts Scotland’s award winning cultural development agency now taking forward exciting and ambitious plans to secure a future for Perth Theatre for the next 100 years.

Horsecross Arts is a registered charity
Scottish charity number SC022400