October 30, 2016
We are delighted to announce that the venue we have chosen for Hidden Door 2017 is the old Leith Theatre – a stunning derelict art deco theatre that has been standing empty and gradually falling into disrepair for 28 years.
Hidden Door is in discussions with the Leith Theatre Trust, the organisation that has recently been granted a lease for the building and wants to get it up and running as a functioning arts venue for the city.
Old Leith Theatre area (in green) – floor plan by Page / Park Architects
There is a huge amount of work needing done to the venue, but Hidden Door has never shied away from a challenging site, and this one is truly inspirational. We want to bring the old theatre back to life next year, filling its beautiful spaces with live music, visual art, theatre, film and spoken word for the duration of our event which will run from 26th May – 4th June 2017.
The venue comprises of a huge auditorium and balcony, with a labyrinth of old dressing rooms, passages, a projector room and an orchestra pit!
The history of the building is varied, serving in its time as a theatre, a cinema, and a music venue, hosting the likes of AC/DC and Thin Lizzy.
We’re still inviting proposals for visual art, theatre, poetry and spoken word – if you’d like more info about the site, or to discuss arranging a visit, contact festival@hiddendoorblog.org.
Press enquiries: press@hiddendoorblog.org.
