Barrfields Pavilion facts for kids
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The Barrfields Pavilion Theatre is a cool theatre located in Largs, North Ayrshire, Scotland. It has 500 seats where people can watch all sorts of shows!
Contents
A Look Back: The Theatre's Story
The Barrfields Pavilion Theatre first opened its doors on April 11, 1930. Back then, it was a very popular place for the many tourists who visited Largs during the summer. It was known as a "variety theatre," which means it hosted lots of different kinds of shows, like music, comedy, and plays.
When it first opened, the theatre could hold over 1000 people! Many famous Scottish entertainers have performed here over the years. Some of these stars include Rikki Fulton, Jack Milroy, Jimmy Logan, Stanley Baxter, The Krankies, Ronnie Corbett, Johnny Beattie, and Billy Connolly. Even performers from other places, like Frankie Vaughan and Pat Kirkwood, have graced its stage.
For more than 80 years, the theatre has also been a special home for local groups. These groups put on amazing pantomimes (fun holiday plays), musicals, and other shows throughout the year. Today, it's a busy place for touring shows, thanks to a group called the Barrfields Theatre User Group.
Making It New: The 1995 Upgrade
In 1995, the theatre got a big makeover! It was rebuilt alongside a new leisure centre called Vikingar, which includes a pool. During this upgrade, the number of seats was changed to 500. The theatre also got new, bigger entrance areas, better dressing rooms for performers, a cafe called the Winter Garden Cafe Bar, and improved stage equipment.
Today, the North Ayrshire Council owns the theatre, and North Ayrshire Leisure Entertainments manages it. The Barrfields Theatre always has a busy schedule. You can often find amateur drama groups performing, fun shows for children, variety acts, Scottish plays, ballet, and other touring productions happening all year long.
Bringing It Back: The User Group
In March 2012, a new group of volunteers called the Barrfields User Group was formed. Their main goal is to help make the Barrfields Theatre even better and promote it to more people.
Where to Find the Theatre
The Barrfields Pavilion Theatre is part of the Vikingar leisure Centre. You can find it at Barrfields, Greenock Road, Largs. This area is also home to other public spaces like a sports ground and a putting green.
