First opening in 1867 as the Royal Colosseum and Opera House, Theatre Royal Glasgow is the city’s oldest theatre and a Grade A listed building. Originally designed by George Bell, the first President of the Glasgow Institute of Architects, the auditorium was redesigned in French Renaissance style by Charles Phipps after a fire in 1879. A second fire broke out in 1895, in which 65 theatregoers and residents of Glasgow died during the ensuing crush.
After passing through several owners and guises in the 20th century including television studios for ITV, the building became a home for Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet. It is also a city centre hub for varied events such as seminars, meetings and conferences. In 2005, ATG took over management of the theatre, ensuring that the Theatre Royal Glasgow would continue to provide first-class entertainment including tours of large West End shows. The building was restored in 2014 so that new, stylish contemporary designs could complement the original Victorian charm.