Edinburgh's King's Theatre to reopen in time for festival season as exciting opening plans revealed
The historic venue is running a series of ‘test’ performances in July before opening to the public
The King’s Theatre is officially reopening to the public in August, in time for Edinburgh’s festival season.
The Tollcross theatre has been closed since 2022 and has undergone a major redevelopment over the last four years.
Upgrades include extensive renovations to auditorium, bars and café, as well as new public spaces, a creative studio for community events, and a range of heritage displays and artefacts.
Operator Capital Theatres also said it has been transformed into one of the most accessible heritage buildings in the UK, with more accessible seating and wheelchair spaces, lifts serving all levels, and accessible toilets on every floor.
The 122-year-old venue is set to reopen on Saturday, August 1, and has announced a special opening weekend.
Visitors will be able to explore all areas of the building, book behind-the-scenes tours and learn about the theatre’s history and the redevelopment project.
Prior to the opening, the venue will carry out a series of “test” performances in July.
The test performances include A Great Night Out on Thursday, July 23, a singalong screening of Disney’s Frozen on July 25 and an evening of comedy, magic and science with Mhairi Black and Kevin Quantum.
The theatre’s official programme will then start in August, with a live podcast recording of Graham Norton’s Wanging On show on August 7, followed by the Edinburgh International Festival running between August 11 and August 30.
A production of Jasmin Vardimon’s Lullaby will show on September 24.
Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres, said:“ We are absolutely thrilled to officially welcome people back to the King’s Theatre on Saturday 1 August for our Opening Weekend.
“Hundreds of people have been hard at work on our beautiful building and we can’t wait to show you what’s changed, what’s stayed the same and how the theatre plans to welcome you all back over the coming year.
“Come and have a peek at the new bars, experience the all-new lifts to every floor, enjoy the rare chance to step onto the new flat stage, or simply have a drink in the new café, our team is excited to see you again.”
“Every great show needs a dress rehearsal, and the reopening of the King’s is no exception.
“That’s why we’re inviting audiences to be among the first to experience the transformed theatre to help us test how the building operates with a full audience.
“We can’t wait to see the King’s Theatre full of art, people and life once more.”
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