Welcome back to the King’s!

Tue 4 Aug 2026

News and stories | News

Edinburgh's beloved King's Theatre reopened its doors for the first time since its redevelopment began in 2023.

The People’s Theatre

For over a century, the King’s has been a place for the people of Edinburgh to come together to laugh, to cry, to celebrate, and to be inspired. Last weekend, we opened the doors, not just to a beautifully restored theatre, but to a building that truly lives up to its nickname as the ‘People’s Theatre’.

In this major redevelopment, the historic venue has been reshaped for audiences, artists and communities across Edinburgh, becoming one of the UK’s most accessible heritage buildings.

Watch the projections light up the theatre building to mark the King's Theatre reopening.

Over our opening weekend over 3,000 people visited and explored the King's Theatre.

The King’s Theatre transformation has been a huge journey. It took 1,252 days from construction starting to reopening , more than 1,370 people worked on the redevelopment, across over 160 organisations. We added 4.5 metres to the height of the fly tower, 2 brand-new lifts serving every public level, plus 1 backstage lift serving an accessible dressing room, providing step-free access from street to seat or stage.

There are now 10 permanent wheelchair spaces across the auditorium, including in the Dress Circle for the first time, 48 toilets throughout the building (up from 36), including accessible toilets on every level and a new Changing Places toilet. Our hospitality capacity doubled, from 200 to 405 people, including 1 new café, and we now have 1 new Creative Engagement Studio, designed to host workshops and creative activities for people of all ages.

Ornate theatre interior with three levels of red seats, decorative railings, and illuminated balconies, viewed from the stage facing the audience—an atmosphere that beautifully captures the grandeur of King’s Theatre and its rich performing arts tradition. — New seating, sound systems, audio description and lighting booths, plus additional wheelchair accessible seats aim to make the King's auditorium all the more welcoming.

Modern café interior with teal seating, round tables, wooden chairs, pendant lights, wooden floor, and a counter with pastries. Large circular mirror and plants decorate the space, creating an inviting ambience perfect for pre-show gatherings or post-performance conversations after an evening at King’s Theatre. — Our new cafe provides a relaxing haven from the hustle and bustle of Tollcross.

View of the ornate King’s Theatre auditorium with red seats, decorative balconies, and a large stage set for a live entertainment performance. — The stage and fly floor have been adapted and modernised so the King's can continue to welcome the very best shows and companies.

Blue metal staircase with wooden handrails curves around a tiled wall, leading to a dark doorway labelled “Upper Circle” in the King’s Theatre. Spherical wall lights are mounted on the left, creating an inviting atmosphere for upcoming events. — Two new stairwells sit on either side of the King's, adorned with incredible tiles and circular light fittings.

Modern lounge area with wooden tables and chairs, a bar at the back, parquet flooring, wood-panelled walls, and large windows letting in natural light—perfect for enjoying live entertainment or unwinding after a show at King’s Theatre. — A major transformation for the Upper Circle bar, light now floods this spacious and relaxing bar.

Modern lobby area with wood flooring, curved ceiling panels, red columns, counters, and a staircase leading to an upper level—evoking the grandeur of King’s Theatre. — The new Pitt Bar, located straight down the stairs when you enter through the main doors and foyer.

Spacious room with yellow walls, wooden floor, exposed beams, mirrored wall, three yellow doors, and a small group of colourful chairs and tables by a window—ideal for creative gatherings or rehearsals inspired by the vibrant spirit of King’s Theatre. — Our new Creative Engagement space will welcome young people, community groups and be a home for creativity.

A person stands inside an open lift with one hand on the control panel, facing inward. The lift doors are partially open, revealing a glimpse of the corridor leading towards the grand entrance of King’s Theatre. — There are now two lifts in the King's Theatre, improving access to all levels of the theatre.

"It is an absolute privilege to welcome audiences back and begin this exciting new chapter together."
Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres

We cannot wait to share this storied and much-loved venue with the people of Edinburgh again. The Old Lady of Leven Street has stood for 120 years, with generations of families having walked through its doors and lost themselves in the stories it tells. Join us as we begin this incredible new chapter.