Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre

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.

Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre

Full name	Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre
Former names	George Square Theatre
Address	32 George Square
Location	Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Coordinates	55.9429°N 3.1882°W
Owner	University of Edinburgh
Type	Theatre
Capacity	481[1]
Construction
Opened	1970
Architect	Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall and Partners
Structural engineer	Blyth & Blyth

In 2018 the University changed the name of the theatre - previously known as George Square Theatre - in memory of Gordon Aikman, a graduate of the University's Business School who raised more than £500,000 for research funding into motor neurone disease.[2][3]

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 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Since 2011, and while 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.[4]

The theatre's location has allowed its use and popularity to increase, being situated near the Quartermile district development in the grounds of the old Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, along with the building and development of new University of Edinburgh facilities. The theatre can also be seen and accessed from The Meadows, a large park 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.[5]

References

1. "George Square Lecture Theatre". www.edinburghfirst.co.uk. University of Edinburgh. Retrieved 1 July 2017.
2. "Lecture theatre renamed in honour of campaigner". www.ed.ac.uk. University of Edinburgh. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
3. "George Square Lecture Theatre to be renamed". www.eusa.ed.ac.uk. Edinburgh University Students Association. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
4. "The Assembly Theatre Fringe venue to leave 30-year home". www.bbc.co.uk. BBC. Retrieved 1 July 2017.
5. Ennals, Ethan. "BBC shut down campus to film new police drama". www.thetab.com. The Tab. Retrieved 1 July 2017.