The “striking frontage” of a transformed Perth Theatre was defended yesterday when theatre-goers had their say on the project.
The rising cost of the redevelopment which now stands at £16.6 million proved to be less of an issue with the public than the modern look of the faade.
One member of the audience at the project’s progress update went as far as to describe the new Mill Street entrance as “an unimaginative, penny-pinching carbuncle”.
Architect Sonia Browse admitted that it “wouldn’t be to everyone’s taste” but said the use of differing materials would give a “glow and welcome to it”.
Magnus Linklater, who is the chairman of Horsecross Arts, leaped to the defence of the design and, to laughter from the audience, assured them “it will be a glowing carbuncle you grow to love”.
The three packed update sessions, which were held in Perth Concert Hall, came only days after it emerged that the cost of the project had risen by more than £1m.
Perth and Kinross Council has stepped in to contribute an extra £1.53m bringing its support to £9.7m.
This gesture still leaves a shortfall of £1.5m for equipment but the audience was assured that the money for the actual building work is in place and there is confidence that the remaining funding can be sourced via trusts, business sponsorship and the public.
Those in the audience seemed to be unconcerned with the financing of the project and were more worried about what was being done to their “beloved theatre”.
Mr Linklater told those in attendance that he understands the importance of the theatre to the people of Perth and promised them that it is in safe hands.
“This is the place where great actors have forged their careers Ewan McGregor made his first, faltering steps,” he said.
“We will live up to that great tradition, we will retain the wonderful Edwardian auditorium, unchanged but refurbished, and turn round the theatre entrance to Mill Street.”
Mr Linklater said that the start of work was “imminent” and delays had been due to making sure the design was “absolutely right”.
He added: “It will be the kind of place that people go ‘wow’ that wow factor is a very important part of what we are working on.
“With the concert hall, it will be a cultural hub for the city.”
The theatre is scheduled to reopen at the end of 2017 with a pantomime.