Kirkcaldy’s theatre confirms return of popular pop-up cafe for summer 2021

The Advantage will open its doors at the Adam Smith Theatre later next month.

An opening date of May 21 has been pencilled in.

It was originally launched last July as a way of re-connecting the theatre with local folk while the building remained closed under lockdown restrictions.

It teamed up with local food and drink producers, and that blend proved an instant hit with ‘full houses’ booking the outdoor tables, and also enjoying dining in the venue’s foyer.

Now, OnFife, which manages the region’s theatres, galleries, museums and libraries, is planning to bring it back for 2021.

The news was confirmed in the trust’s latest update on its return to operations following a year in lockdown.

While museums, galleries and libraries have re-opened, the doors remain closed to its four theatres - Adam Smith, Rothes Halls, Lochgelly Centre and Carnegie Hall.

All programming has been suspended until September, but the trust will review that position in June as it takes stock of the latest guidance around audience numbers in indoor venues - and the confidence people have to sit in theatres once again.

Michelle Sweeney, director of creative development, said: “When we postponed programming last year we did so fully expecting the uncertainty about indoor performances to have ended by spring.

“But, as this pandemic has shown us so many times, there are factors that we can’t control.

“This is why we have postponed again and are now looking at programming recommencing in September.

“We are not alone in making these difficult decisions. The theatre sector across the country is desperate to bring back live shows and welcome customers, but we all have to take into account what social distancing guidance will mean in terms of making productions viable, not just for audiences but for performers on stage and behind the scenes.”

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OnFife has made a commitment to prioritise local musical and dramatic companies as soon as the curtain rises once more.

But stage time at the Adam Smith will be limited as the venue has begun work on a £3m transformation into a creative hub.

The auditorium has been covered in scaffolding with all seats removed as phase one continues to give it a complete make-over, including new seating and removable sections, new carpets and sound system and a complete re-decoration.

That work is due to be completed by mid-August, with plans to re-open the doors later in 2021 before commencing the second phase which will cover the rest of the building.

The theatre will be closed throughout 2022 and is not scheduled to re-open until Spring 2023.

Added Michelle: “Covid-19 permitting, this could allow us to reopen the theatre for live shows between these phases and we will be doing all we can to support local groups to return to the stage at that time.

The Beveridge Suite will also be upgraded with new lighting and a sound systems.

The lower function hall will also be altered to make better use of the space.

The entrance and foyer of the building will also get a completely new look with an additional performance space created where the cafe currently sits along with a new creative hub.

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