On Saturday 23 August the Citizens Theatre will officially reopen after a full makeover. Originally scheduled to take two years, the theatre will finally reopen seven years after closing its doors. A community procession in the Gorbals will be followed by a series of events including building tours and workshops as part of the Citizens Theatre Homecoming Festival. 

The community procession will kick off at the Barn, before heading to Gorbals Street and crossing the threshold of the Citizens Theatre to breathe new life into the building. Along the way the procession will be joined by community performances and interactive experiences. And leading the procession are two puppets inspired by two of the Citizens Theatre’s iconic Greek goddess statues, which now stand proudly on the building’s façade.

After the procession ends, the new Citizens Theatre will welcome the public with poetry, song and the unveiling of a living heritage banner created by neighbours and the wider community, celebrating the local stories, voices and cultures which shape the theatre.

Visitors will be able to explore the refurbished theatre all weekend, with an Open House event of free celebratory activities. Anyone can visit, with opportunities to join in with hands-on workshops, have five minutes of fame on the main stage or simply explore the building.

Kate Denby, executive director of the Citizens Theatre, said: 'The reopening of the Citizens Theatre marks a hugely significant moment – not just for the building, but for everyone who holds this theatre close to their heart. Our Homecoming year is a celebration of creativity, community, and connection. It’s been made possible by the extraordinary efforts of so many people, and we’re proud to be opening our doors with a programme that invites everyone to be part of our next chapter. The Citz has always been a theatre for the people of Glasgow – and now, more than ever, we want everyone to feel welcome here.'

After the Open House weekend, celebrations will continue until Friday 5 September with events to welcome even more visitors, before the Homecoming takes to the stage. The main stage will reopen on Friday 12 September with Small Acts Of Love, a new play by Frances Poet featuring songs and lyrics by Deacon Blue’s Ricky Ross. 

In October a new 150-seat Studio Theatre will open with two productions created by the theatre’s Participate programmes – Close opening on Wednesday 8 October and Making Your Mark on Wednesday 22 October.

We visited the Citizens Theatre ahead of its reopening, saying: ‘In 2025, the Citizens opens to find itself once again at the heart of a community. This is a theatre that proclaims its presence.’ Read more here. 

Citizens Theatre Homecoming Festival, Glasgow, Saturday 23 August–Friday 5 September; main picture: Mark Liddell.