Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre
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| Full name | Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre |
|---|---|
| Former names | George Square Lecture Theatre |
| Address | 32 George Square Edinburgh Scotland EH8 9LD |
| Coordinates | 55°56′34″N 3°11′18″W / 55.9429°N 3.1882°W |
| Owner | The University of Edinburgh |
| Type | Theatre |
| Capacity | 481[1] |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1970 |
| Architect | Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall and Partners |
| Structural engineer | Blyth & Blyth |
The Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre is a category B listed performing arts and lecture theatre located in the historic George Square in Edinburgh. Primarily operated as a lecture theatre for the University of Edinburgh, it is also used for general theatre performances, as well as being a designated Edinburgh Fringe Festival venue.
Construction of the Modernist style theatre was completed in 1970, and opened to the general public the same year. Its seating capacity of 481 makes it the University's largest Lecture Facility, and an asset to the busy Fringe Festival. Since 2011 and whilst a venue for the Fringe, the theatre was under the branding of Assembly Group, an events promotion company responsible for the operation of Edinburgh's main Fringe venues, which had moved from their original base at George Street in the city. Subsequently, during the Festival the theatre was branded Assembly George Square Theatre.[2]
The theatre's location has allowed its use and popularity to increase, being situated near the highly-expensive Quartermile district development in the grounds of the old Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, along with the building and development of new Edinburgh University facilities. The theatre can also be seen and accessed from The Meadows, a large park space popular with tourists and students.
Due to the building's striking stand-alone appearance, it has been a popular location for filming and productions, with the facade often changed to suit different purposes.[3]
References
- ^ "George Square Lecture Theatre". www.edinburghfirst.co.uk. University of Edinburgh. Retrieved 1 July 2017.
- ^ "The Assembly Theatre Fringe venue to leave 30-year home". www.bbc.co.uk. BBC. Retrieved 1 July 2017.
- ^ Ennals, Ethan. "BBC shut down campus to film new police drama". www.thetab.com. The Tab. Retrieved 1 July 2017.
