Ancient building tradition marked at His Majesty's Theatre
30/08/2004
A fir tree was attached to the steelwork of the new extension to His Majesty’s Theatre, today, as part of an ancient building tradition dating back to the 14th-century.
Lord Provost John Reynolds conducted the Topping Out ceremony along with staff from the theatre, Aberdeen Performing Arts, the Scottish Arts Council and the contractor which is building the extension, Robertson Construction.
The Topping Out ceremony is a builders’ traditional way of signifying completion of the main structure of a new building.
The theatre is undergoing a £7million complete refurbishment and is due to reopen next year.
In the meantime, HMT has been relocated to the theatre at the University of Aberdeen’s Hilton campus.
Iain Wolstenholme, Aberdeen City Council’s Head of Infrastructure Policy, explained: “The topping out celebration dates back to the 14th-century and was traditionally intended to ward off evil spirits and ensure good luck for the future.
“Contractors, and particularly steelworkers, like to celebrate the completion of the main structure in this way and it has been done during the building of many skyscrapers in major American cities.
“We are keen to mark this milestone for the new-look HMT and in keeping with tradition, the tree will be fixed to the highest point on the steel structure.”
The foundation stone was laid last month, when Frank McAveety MSP, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, toured the construction site.
The large extension will house new facilities including a purpose built rehearsal and education space, cafe bar with foyer area, corporate entertainment suite and a restaurant.
Other improvements will include more dressing room space and a new Green Room, refurbished toilets and improved box office facilities, with daytime opening.
The project has attracted financial support from the Aberdeen City Council (£4.8m), the Scottish Arts Council (£2million) and Scottish Enterprise Grampian (£375,000).
Iain Munro, Head of Capital at the Scottish Arts Council, said: “The Topping Out ceremony is a significant milestone in the development of His Majesty's Theatre.
“Through the provision of greatly enhanced front of house facilities as well as new spaces for education the new extension will enhance the theatre experience for both public and performers alike.
“This combined with the refurbishment of the existing theatre building will provide Aberdeen with a key venue which will form a significant contribution to Scotland’s network of theatres.”
A fundraising gala ball is being held at the Beach Ballroom this Saturday, in aid of the HM Tomorrow campaign, which is raising funds to cover the final £500,000 cost of the refurbishment.
Their Royal Highnesses The Earl and Countess of Wessex will be guests of honour at the event, which will be attended by more than 500 people.
The Earl of Wessex is Royal Patron of His Majesty’s Theatre.
* Anyone interested in finding out more about making donations, legacies or seat sponsorship should contact Andrea Watt on (01224) 274728 or e-mail: andrea@hmtheatre.com.
Contact email(s)
media.office@scottisharts.org.uk
Issued by: Scottish Arts Council
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