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Theatre and performance

Exterior of Citizens Theatre in Glasgow at night with bright red neon sign, illuminated statues on the roof, and crowds visible through large windows on the left.
Citizens Theatre. Image: Mark Liddell.
Glasgow is full of exciting places to see live theatre. From Victorian halls to modern spaces, there’s a show for everyone. Here's a guide to some of the best spots to catch a play, musical, or performance.

Historic Glasgow theatres

Comedian Ardal O'Hanlon performing on stage at the King's Theatre during the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.

Contemporary work at leading theatres

A street view of a large, long, pale stone building with large, industrial arched doorways and windows, with "TRAMWAY" visible above a wide, open entrance.

Unique to Glasgow

Artistic mechanical sculpture with metallic figures and gears illuminated by colourful lights in a dramatic, surreal setting.

Local theatres

An audience seated in a dark theatre watches a performance on a smoke-filled stage lit with colourful lights, with musical instruments in the foreground.

Outdoor summer fun

A person in an elaborate, fantastical costume and headdress made from plastic bags, bicycle tires and bits of trash, is performing outdoors, with tall, urban buildings in the background.

Scotland's best performers

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra on stage at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, standing to receive applause.

Historic Glasgow theatres

King's Theatre

In the heart of the city centre is the King's Theatre. You can enjoy fun musicals, big shows, and a pantomime every festive season. Visit King's Theatre to see what’s on.

Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal presents shows from resident companies Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet. Opened in 1867, it's also the oldest theatre in Glasgow and features a Victorian auditorium. See listings at Theatre Royal.

The Pavilion

This theatre is well known for its comedy shows and seasonal pantomimes. It's been popular with Glaswegians for more than a century. Found out what's on at The Pavilion.

Comedian Ardal O'Hanlon performing on stage at the King's Theatre during the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.
Ardal O'Hanlon performs at King's Theatre for Glasgow International Comedy Festival

Contemporary work at leading theatres

Citizens Theatre

A treasured part of Glasgow's cultural history, "The Citz" shows modern plays and exciting new dramas. After a major upgrade, the theatre re-opened in 2025. To see what's on, have a look at Citizens Theatre.

Exterior of Citizens Theatre in Glasgow at night with bright red neon sign, illuminated statues on the roof, and crowds visible through large windows on the left.
Citizens Theatre. Image: Mark Liddell.
Interior of Citizens Theatre in Glasgow featuring ornate balconies, soft, glowing lights, red velvet upholstered seating, and a grand chandelier above the audience seating.
Citizens Theatre. Image: Mark Liddell.

Tron Theatre

The Tron Theatre is an intimate, modern space in a 16th-century church at the heart of Trongate. It shows new plays and fun versions of classic stories. There’s also a café and bar to relax in after the show. Visit Tron Theatre for more information.

Tramway

Set in the southside in a former tram depot, Tramway hosts cutting-edge visual art, music and dance performances. You can also visit The Hidden Gardens at the rear of the building. Visit Tramway to see upcoming events.

A street view of a large, long, pale stone building with large, industrial arched doorways and windows, with "TRAMWAY" visible above a wide, open entrance.
Tramway
Cheerleading group with pom-poms performs indoors in formation beside a large red and white inflatable structure under bright stage lights.
Production of 12 Last Songs at Tramway, 2024. Image: Brian Hartley.

Unique to Glasgow

Britannia Panopticon

The Britannia Panopticon is the world's oldest surviving music hall. Legendary entertainers like Stan Laurel and Cary Grant performed here. Today, you can see drag shows, comedy, and silent films. Plus there's tours of the historic building (some say it's haunted!). More info at Britannia Panopticon.

Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre

For a unique and magical experience, visit the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre in Trongate. Sharmanka brings to life a cast of strange and wonderful characters. They do this through movement, light, and music, which blends sculpture and puppetry with experimental storytelling. Find out more at Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre.

A close-up of a wooden puppet figure in an ornate, dark wooden structure with bells and strings.
Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre. Image: Robin Mitchell.
Artistic mechanical sculpture with metallic figures and gears illuminated by colourful lights in a dramatic, surreal setting.
Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre. Image: Robin Mitchell.

A Play, A Pie and A Pint

A Play, A Pie and A Pint presents contemporary theatre in the beautiful Òran Mór, west end. Each year, the company debuts more than 30 new plays through its midday performances. Find out what’s on at A Play, A Pie and A Pint.

Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre

The west end's Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre is a unique place. It's part theatre, part museum, which showcases puppetry, mime, and physical theatre. The venue is also an offbeat, kid-friendly choice, with daytime performances and workshops. Have a look at the Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre schedule.

Local theatres

Platform

Platform in Easterhouse is a welcoming community arts hub. The theatre's programme features a range of fun and creative performances, which includes work from local groups as well as musical performances. Visit Platform to discover more.

An audience seated in a dark theatre watches a performance on a smoke-filled stage lit with colourful lights, with musical instruments in the foreground.
Platform at The Bridge, Easterhouse

Websters

Websters is a theatre and bar in a converted church in the west end, near Kelvinbridge subway station. They offer a great line-up of local theatre. Websters is also home to The Stand Comedy Club, which hosts local and international stand-up comedy. See what’s on at Websters and The Stand Comedy Club.

Cottiers

Cottiers is a former church and now a popular bar, restaurant, and wedding venue in the west end. You can see live music and community theatre performances in this stunning setting. Visit Cottiers to find out more.

Outdoor summer fun

Bard in the Botanics

Every summer in the Botanic Gardens, you can see Shakespeare outdoors with Bard in the Botanics. Bring a blanket and enjoy the show in beautiful, natural surroundings. Check out Bard in the Botanics to see the season's programme.

SURGE Festival at Merchant City Festival

The streets come alive with circus acts and street performers in mid-summer thanks to SURGE. They present street theatre from Scotland and beyond during the annual Merchant City Festival. Visit SURGE Festival for more details.

A person in an elaborate, fantastical costume and headdress made from plastic bags, bicycle tires and bits of trash, is performing outdoors, with tall, urban buildings in the background.
The Composter performs at SURGE during Merchant City Festival 2025. Image: Kris Kesiak
Person balancing on top of a street sign while another stands in the foreground in front of a historic stone building.
Be Flat perform at SURGE during Merchant City Festival 2025. Image: Kris Kesiak

Scotland's best performers

Glasgow is home to 4 of Scotland's 5 national performing arts organisations, plus many other leading companies:

  • National Theatre of Scotland. Scotland's "theatre without walls" tours in Scotland and around the world. The company's headquarters is in the north of the city. Visit the National Theatre of Scotland to learn more.

  • Scottish Opera. Scottish Opera is the largest performing arts organisation in Scotland. It performs at the Theatre Royal and internationally. Visit Scottish Opera to see this season's programme.

  • Scottish Ballet. Scottish Ballet is known for its ground-breaking performances, which it tours around the world. Find out what’s on at Scottish Ballet.

  • Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO). The RSNO has been part of Glasgow and Scotland's cultural heritage since 1891. The orchestra's home base is the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Visit RSNO to see what's on.

  • BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (SSO). Based at City Halls & Old Fruitmarket, the SSO performs regularly as part of its busy broadcast schedule. Learn more by visiting BBC SSO.

  • Scottish Ensemble. A dynamic group that showcases modern classical music. Visit Scottish Ensemble to see their programme.

Man with curly hair in a magenta jacket with black line drawings performing on a stage.
Dear Billy by National Theatre Scotland. Image: Sally Jubb.
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra on stage at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, standing to receive applause.
RSNO at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Image: Jessica Cowley.

Article last updated: October 2025

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