Adlib confirms the completion of the supply and installation of the stage engineering systems for the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow, which is due to reopen in August 2025, with a full season programme launching in September 2025.

Working in partnership with architectural practice Bennetts Associates, specialist technical design consultancy Theatreplan, and KIER Construction, the Adlib team is proud to have played its part in the new building which is set to be a vibrant hub at the heart of the Gorbals community.

This ambitious project is the first comprehensive redevelopment of the iconic building since it began life as a working theatre in 1878. The goal has been to ensure that the Citizens Theatre is accessible to everyone, while retaining its distinct Victorian features.

The technical infrastructure has been designed to support more performances than ever before and to meet the needs of a new generation of modern theatre-makers. Adlib has collaborated with delivery partners and manufacturers to provide a range of new and upgraded structures and capabilities – including a new counterweight flying system, updated motorized and fixed lighting positions throughout the auditorium,  a rigid safety ‘iron’ curtain and an adaptive stage floor to accommodate diverse performance requirements.

Mark Taylor, Applications Engineer and Project Manager, Adlib, comments “ Working with a Victorian theatre presents a unique set of challenges, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together across the wide-ranging teams involved in this project. We’re looking forward to seeing how performers and audiences respond when the theatre opens later this year”.

Graham Sutherland, Technical Director, Citizens Theatre, comments “Adlib has been an outstanding partner throughout this complex and ambitious redevelopment. Their collaborative approach, technical expertise and attention to detail have been invaluable in helping us realize a modern, flexible stage infrastructure that meets the needs of today’s theatre-makers. What makes a truly great delivery partner is not just the ability to meet a brief, but to engage with the spirit of the project – and Adlib has done exactly that.”