The Citizens Theatre in Glasgow has announced Small Acts of Love as the opening production for its long-awaited reopening in 2025. The production, which examines themes of friendship and recovery following tragedy, will premiere in September 2025, marking a significant milestone in the theatre’s history.
The news was shared today, Wednesday, 18 December 2024, alongside updates on the theatre’s redevelopment and reopening plans.
A New Production Rooted in Real-Life Events
Small Acts of Love is a collaborative effort between playwright Frances Poet and composer Ricky Ross, frontman of the band Deacon Blue. The piece was commissioned by Dominic Hill, Artistic Director of the Citizens Theatre, and will be presented in association with the National Theatre of Scotland. It explores the relationships forged between the communities of Lockerbie, Scotland, and New York State, USA, in the aftermath of the Pan Am 103 bombing in December 1988.
The production spans over three decades, chronicling how two distinct communities found solidarity through shared grief and acts of kindness. The storyline has been developed through extensive research and interviews with individuals directly affected by the tragedy.
“I don’t think I have written anything before where I have felt such a weight of responsibility to tell people’s stories with authenticity, sensitivity and care. The people of Lockerbie poured their trauma into acts of kindness, received with grace and courage by the relatives. This is not a piece about the horrific act of violence on that night in December 1988. It’s about the 36 years since. It’s about the generosity and resilience humans are capable of.“
Frances Poet, playwright
Cast and Musical Elements
The production will feature a cast of 14 actor-singers and a five-piece roots band, promising a multi-dimensional experience that combines theatre and live music. The involvement of Ross, whose career spans both music and broadcasting, brings decades of experience on stage and in the recording studio to proceedings.
This staging is part of a broader collaboration with the National Theatre of Scotland, which has a history of supporting innovative and socially relevant productions. The project has also benefited from the National Theatre’s Generate programme, designed to foster new theatrical works.
Citizens Theatre’s Return to the Gorbals
The reopening of the Citizens Theatre follows a significant redevelopment project aimed at modernizing its historic Gorbals location. The venue, which dates back to 1878, has been under renovation since 2018. Key improvements include the restoration of the Victorian auditorium, the addition of a new fly tower, and the creation of enhanced rehearsal and performance spaces. Accessibility upgrades have also been prioritized, ensuring the venue meets modern standards for audiences and performers alike.
“I have been passionate about this project from the moment Frances and I first sat down to talk about the idea over four years ago. It has been a fascinating and incredibly moving experience and I have loved composing the songs and music that interweave with the text. The Citz is my local theatre. I’m delighted to be part of its opening season, and to be able to tell this poignant and heartwarming story on that stage.“
Ricky Ross, composer
The redevelopment, led by Bennetts Associates, combines restoration with innovation, blending the theatre’s historical features with contemporary design. Recent milestones include the installation of original stone sculptures and the completion of a new courtyard foyer. The building works are expected to conclude by the end of 2024, followed by a fit-out period lasting up to eight months.
“This is a big, ambitious production about love and friendship in the face of the most extraordinary adversity. We think it is a story we know, but the play and songs reveal how the people of Lockerbie and the American relatives forged something beautiful from the tragedy of their ordeal.“
Dominic Hill, Artistic Director, Citizens Theatre
Programming and Community Engagement
The Citizens Theatre has continued to engage with the Glasgow community throughout its closure. Productions have been staged in unconventional venues, such as car parks and community centres, while its participation programme has remained active. Notably, the theatre recently concluded an eight-month residency in Gorbals primary schools, emphasizing its commitment to fostering local creativity.
A reopening festival is planned for August 2025, with a full programme of shows to be announced in the Spring of that year. According to the theatre, Small Acts of Love will inaugurate the autumn season, setting the tone for its return to the Glasgow arts scene.
Wider Support and Context
The redevelopment project has been made possible through support from Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government, and organizations such as The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Creative Scotland, and Historic Environment Scotland. The Hunter Foundation is a key supporter of Small Acts of Love.
The Citizens Theatre is internationally recognized for its contributions to theatre and community work. Under Dominic Hill’s leadership, the company has earned acclaim for bold interpretations of classic texts and an emphasis on accessible, impactful productions. The long-awaited reopening will mark a new chapter for the theatre, and a return to its role as a cultural cornerstone in Glasgow.
Looking Ahead
The announcement of Small Acts of Love is obviously a significant moment for the Citizens Theatre, signalling the culmination of years of redevelopment and resilience. Where the production highlights themes of unity and compassion, its premiere will underscore the theatre’s enduring relevance in Scotland’s cultural landscape.
Further details about the reopening festival and upcoming productions are expected in the coming months, as the Citizens Theatre prepares to welcome audiences back to its revitalized home.
Featured Image: Small Acts of Love – Ricky Ross, Frances Poet, Dominic Hill – Citizens Theatre – Credit Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
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