The Lemon Tree began life as St Katherine's Club, built in the 1930s by the Young Woman's Christian Organisation as an activity centre to keep women off the streets of Aberdeen. Originally it hosted regular, strictly alcohol-free dances, and many a local resident met their future spouse at such occasions. The venue remained a popular local fixture, and during the 1980s, changing its name to St. K's, the dances continued while housing various community arts groups and a vegetarian restaurant.
The decision was taken by Aberdeen City Council at the start of the 1990s to create a permanent home for the burgeoning audience attending the city's rock, theatre and comedy Alternative Festival held annually. In 1992 The Lemon Tree was born, named after the pub which had existed on the site before the building of St. Katharine's.
In April 2008, Aberdeen Performing Arts, the charitable company behind the rejuvenation of His Majesty's Theatre and the Music Hall, took over the lease of the listed building and The Lemon Tree entered a new and exciting chapter in its history. Aware of what The Lemon Tree has come to mean not only in the city but nationwide, APA strives to continue the tradition of showcasing the very best musicians and comedians in the downstairs 550-capacity Lounge, and cutting-edge drama and dance in the upstairs 150-seat Studio.
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