Citizens Theatre gets new director for revamp

ONE of Scotland’s leading theatres has appointed a new boss to spearhead plans for a major revamp of its ageing building.

Judith Kilvington, who currently heads up the London-based Graeae Theatre Company, has been appointed executive director of the Citizens, in Glasgow.

She will work alongside the artistic director of the Gorbals-based theatre, Dominic Hill, when she takes up the post in July.

Around £10 million is expected to be needed to overhaul the “Citz”, a B-listed building which dates back to 1878, with work hoped to begin in 2016.

The theatre company was formed in 1943 and was initially based at the Athenaeum Theatre in Buchanan Street, before moving into the then Royal Princess’s Theatre two years later.

Ms Kilvington led the Graeae Theatre Company’s efforts to find a permanent new home for its pioneering stage work with deaf and disabled people and its Bradbury Studios went on to win widespread acclaim.

Adrienne Scullion, chair of the Citizens Theatre Board, said: “Judith shares our vision for a theatre that produces inspirational artistic work that is accessible to all and engages a diverse range of artists and audiences. She brings financial management and administrative expertise as well as the unique experience of leading Graeae and contributing to its reputation as leaders in the field.”

Mr Hill added: “I very much look forward to working with Judith as we enter an exciting period at the Citizens in our preparations for the year of the Commonwealth Games in 2014, our 70th anniversary in 2015 and the start of our capital project in 2016, which will see the most significant redevelopment and refurbishment of the theatre building since it opened.

“Together we will work hard to continue to extend the reputation of the Citizens Theatre as one of the UK’s leading theatre companies.”

Ms Kilvington said: “I am thrilled to be joining the team at the Citizens Theatre and working with Dominic as the theatre prepares for some very significant projects on the horizon.

“I have been lucky enough to lead Graeae jointly over the past six years and the company has moved from the margins of theatre to placing disabled artists centre stage in mainstream venues and festivals across the UK.

“I shall bring that knowledge and experience to the Citizens Theatre knowing that these values are very much part of the Citizens core beliefs of providing the best quality work for all members of its diverse communities.”