Trafalgar Entertainment has acquired The Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow.
It is the live entertainment company’s first Scottish venue, and the 1,449-capacity theatre is one of the oldest in the country.
The Pavilion Theatre will become part of Trafalgar Entertainment’s Trafalgar Theatres vision, which is made up of Trafalgar Theatre in London’s West End, the Theatre Royal Sydney and a further 12 UK regional theatres.
The venue opened in 1904 and welcomes performances across comedy, music, entertainment and traditional pantomime. Over the years, it has welcomed performances from Marie Lloyd, Harry Lauder and Charlie Chaplin, Billy Connolly, The Krankies and Lulu. It has also welcomed comedians such as John Bishop, Sara Pascoe and Jason Manford.
In January this year, the sale of The Pavilion to Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) fell through.
“We are thrilled and delighted to have the opportunity to be the future operators of The Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow,” said Dame Rosemary Squire. “Over the past five decades the current owners, the general manager Iain Gordon, and his team have done a fantastic job. We pay tribute to their tenacity, commitment and hard work – and the legacy they leave.”
Helen Enright, chief executive of Trafalgar Entertainment, added: “Glasgow is a vibrant, energetic city and The Pavilion Theatre has earned its place in the city’s entertainment landscape. We are committed to building on that success – continuing to do what the Pavilion does best, maintaining the legacy of one of Glasgow’s best-loved and best-supported pantomimes, increasing the number of shows presented, investing in the building, growing audiences and ensuring a successful future for this beautiful, iconic theatre.”
Iain Gordon has been the general manager at The Pavilion Theatre since 1984 and is set to retire following the sale.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.