Òran Mór
Òran Mór is Glasgow’s enchanting West End arts, music and theatre venue, housed in a beautifully converted church opposite the Botanic Gardens. With its striking architecture, intimate performance spaces and vibrant cultural programme, Òran Mór combines historic elegance with creative energy — a place where gigs, theatre, spoken word and dining all come together.
🎶 About the Venue
Originally built in 1862 as Kelvinside Free Church (later Kelvinside Parish Church), the building was transformed into Òran Mór in 2004. The conversion preserved much of its architectural character (stained glass, lofty arches, and the celestial ceiling mural by Alasdair Gray) while repurposing it into a multi-use cultural venue.
Today, Òran Mór hosts theatre, music, comedy, and community events. It also includes bars, restaurant / brasserie spaces, and private hire rooms, making it both a performance hub and a social destination.
🎟️ What’s On at Òran Mór
Òran Mór runs a diverse and eclectic programme: theatre productions, live music concerts, comedy nights, literary events and more. It is especially well known for A Play, A Pie and A Pint — a lunchtime theatre series that presents new short plays during the week, with a pie and a pint included.
Shows take place in its multiple spaces. From the Auditorium under the mural ceiling to the more underground “Venue” (crypt-style) setting.
Òran Mór
🍽️ Before & After the Show
Because Òran Mór is in the West End, there are several nearby food and drink options that are still active and good for a pre- or post-show meal. Here are some ideas:
- The Brasserie / restaurant spaces within Òran Mór itself are often available and well suited for dining before a performance.
- Nearby on Great Western Road and Byres Road are cafés, bistros and West End staples (for example, places around Hillhead or along Byres Road).
- For something more casual or late, the lounge bars or whisky bar in Òran Mór are options for a drink after the show.