Leith Theatre launches crowdfunder for homelessness charities and to heat dilapidated grand auditorium

Leith Theatre today launched a crowdfunder to help both their building and the community they serve, this winter.

The Big Generator Crowdfunder hopes to raise £45,000; pledging one third of funds raised to three local homelessness charities and the other two thirds to bring heating to its grand auditorium.

Their goal is £30,000 for the theatre, with £15,000 for charity, but have said no matter what is raised, one third of any funds raised will be donated to the community.

Funds raised for the theatre will pay for radiators to bring warmth to the large auditorium enabling activity inside the venue across all 12 months of the year, with the campaign simultaneously aiming to ‘radiate’ that warmth to those who need it most this coming winter.

During the campaign, Leith Theatre’s façade will change colour as the Crowdfunder heats up and major financial milestones are hit, starting with blue for launch as darkness falls on November 5.

Lynn Morrison, Chief Executive of Leith Theatre said: “There is no question that this 1930s building is in need of major refurbishment and capital works.

“During these months of closure our aim is to look to this specific crowdfunding campaign to ensure we are able to make the biggest impact on our venue’s future and viability.

“We hope to make the most of closure by scheduling these works in time for when we are able to re-open our doors again and welcome the public back inside.”

Leith Theatre sits amongst the top 12 historic Edinburgh buildings listed at risk of being lost forever, as reported recently by the Edinburgh Evening News.

The group say reinstalling heating in the Main Auditorium will have an immediate effect; not only will helping to dry out damp, stop mould and protect the 1930s plasterwork, but it is the most vital component to safely opening the doors to the community all year round, ultimately helping secure its future.