A petition has been launched in a bid to block plans for Glasgow's Pavilion Theatre to be bought over by a theatre business giant.
The iconic city centre theatre went up for sale in September with Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) expected to take over the running of the venue.
ATG also owns the King's Theatre and Theatre Royal in Glasgow, as well as the Edinburgh Playhouse and multiple West End venues in London.
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The online petition 'Save the Pavilion Theatre Glasgow' has received more than 1,000 signatures since it was launched one day ago by Chris Scougal.
Chris, 37, is an actor and singer based in Glasgow and said he fears for the future of theatre shows in the city if ATG has a stronghold over its three biggest theatres.
Speaking to Glasgow Live, he said: "I returned home in 2007 after being in stage school in England and my first acting job was at the Pavilion.
"Looking at the theatre business in Glasgow, obviously the biggest theatres are the King's Theatre, the Theatre Royal, and the Pavilion, all of which put on similar shows.
"Looking at ATG possibly buying the Pavilion, my concern is more about protecting customers with the risk of a London prices scheme being brought up.
"ATG also outsources its pantos, meaning that local Scottish talent could end up being alienated."
Chris also spoke of the deep affection Glaswegians have with the theatre and fears that it could turn into "another big corporate theatre".
"Anybody that grew up in Glasgow will have memories of going to the Pavilion," he said. "My very first memory of a theatre was going to the Pavilion in the late 80s to see the Care Bears and it was so special.
"The Pavilion doesn't feel like just another big corporate theatre. It holds such a massive place in my heart and so many other people's as well.
"Nobody is objecting to the Pavilion being sold and remaining open. The biggest objection is ATG having a stronghold over the Glasgow theatre business. It's unfair, not just for other theatres but for consumers."
More than 1,100 people have now signed the online petition.
It reads: "The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow is Glasgow's last independent variety theatre and has been entertaining theatre goers since it opened in 1904.
"Since the 1970's the theatre has been ran by Iain Gordon as general manager and in latter years has become a family run theatre.
"Glasgow is at risk of losing the last independent family run theatre to ATG (Ambassadors Theatre Group) who currently run the King's and Theatre Royal. "
It continues: "Theatre should never be an elitist luxury for those who can afford to pay London prices in a local setting, keeping the Glasgow pavilion Independent will ensure that Glasgow still has one theatre that caters for everyone."
ATG has been contacted for comment.
To learn more about the petition, you can visit it online here.
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