THE smell of smoke still hangs in the Pavilion Theatre almost four months after the Victoria’s nightclub fire.

After a lengthy and frustrating wait, Iain Gordon, Pavilion general manager, has got his theatre back and he pledged it will survive.

Finally, after demolition of the Victoria’s block on Sauchiehall Street and the surrounding area made safe, Mr Gordon was allowed back permanently and immediately he made plans for re-opening.

Mr Gordon said: “I got in on Friday last week and it was a strange feeling.”

It is hoped the re-opening of the famous Glasgow theatre will be September 5, when Celtic the Musical begins a month-long run.

He said: “The longer we are shut the more damage it does to shows.

“We took £600,000 at the box office for Celtic the musical. It had sold out before the fire.”

Mr Gordon recalled the only time he briefly considered the theatre could be lost.

He said: “When the flames were shooting across the roof and debris was coming in the building.

“We have been very lucky. Although everything is fire proof, the carpets, the seats curtains.”

The manager said the theatre will survive despite huge losses.

He said: “There is a future for the Pavilion, 100%.”

The massive clean up has started. A team is cleaning every seat in the stalls and circle, while the seats in the balcony are being removed to be re-upholstered.

He added: “If we need to re-seat the whole theatre it will be panto season before we can open.”

He invited a few pavilion stars, including Sydney Devine, to look around.

When he was locked out he ruffled feathers at the council demanding access in the aftermath of the blaze to check on damage and criticised politicians for not doing enough to help affected businesses.

He said: “Frustration turned to anger at being kept out. We know the council and building control had a job to do but more support would have been good.

“Glasgow would be nothing without the city centre traders.”