Garrison Theatre

The Garrison Theatre is Shetland's only theatre and is situated in Lerwick’s old town. It currently also acts as Shetland’s only cinema. It is a traditional proscenium arch theatre with one bank of 280 seats in a fixed shallow rake facing the well-equipped stage.

The theatre is open throughout the year with a varied programme of visiting and community events. It hosts a varied annual programme of amatuer and professisonal shows, including live theatre, stand up comedy, concerts, pantomine, dance and a film programme showing popular first release films.

Shetland Arts took over the running of the theatre in 2006 and in this small but versatile space has hosted a huge variety of performances, from guitarist Martin Taylor to comedian Dylan Moran.

History

The Theatre was originally built in 1903/4 but has had many upgrades since then. Originally called "Lerwick Drill Hall and Gymnasium", the building was headquarters of the 7th Volunteer Battalion Gordon Highlanders and used as a drill hall in the 1st World War. It was converted to a theatre by ENSA in 1942 and during the 2nd World War it served as a theatre to entertain the thousands of troops stationed in Shetland.

The Shetland Islands Council decided to repair and refurbish the theatre in 1989 and a second phase in 1995/6 provided Shetland with a performing arts venue.

Contact

Garrison Theatre, Market Street, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0HD,
Telephone: 44 (0) 1595 743843
Fax: 44 (0) 1595 694001
admin@shetlandarts.org
www.shetlandarts.org
Proprietor: Shetland Arts Development Agency (Shetland Arts)
Telephone: 44 (0) 1595 743843
Accessibility: Full disabled access, disabled toilet