On this page you can learn more about how to navigate and explore the People's Archive. We'll be adding new stories and content throughout so check back regularly for our latest updates.
Welcome
The People’s Archive is a vibrant digital collection forming part of the wider King’s Theatre Archive. Housing over 2,500 digitised items, ranging from programmes and photographs to playbills, audio reels, letters, and newspaper clippings, the archive celebrates the history and cultural legacy of the King’s Theatre.
More than just a repository of information, The People’s Archive is designed to inspire a creative approach to engaging with archival materials. Thanks to generous donations and the efforts of our staff and volunteers, we are proud to share these stories with you.
This project is made possible through the generous support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland. All images are freely available online under a Creative Commons license for educational and entertainment use.
How to explore the archive
Reading the catalogue
Accessing materials in person
Catalogue themes
Rotating Themes:
The Early Years: 1906-1946
Discover the origins of the King’s Theatre through photographs, personal stories, and a message in a bottle from 1906.
Box 33: Posters of the King’s, 1960-1964
Zoom in on the stars of the early ’60s through a vivid collection of digitised performance posters.
Shared Stage: Community Theatre at the King’s
Celebrating the enduring connection between the King’s and its local theatre companies — Southern Light, the Bohemians, the Gilbert & Sullivan Society, and the Gang Show.
Magic & Mayhem: Pantomime at the King’s Theatre
Step into the sparkle of the King’s panto tradition with stories from the stars, costume sketches, and audience memories.
Top of the Bill: Variety at the King’s
A look back at the music, comedy, circus, and cabaret acts that kept the King’s buzzing with energy.
Made at the King’s: Community Responses to the Archive
Explore creative works inspired by the archive where new audiences and communities can share their voices interpreting the past in new and imaginative ways.
Also Online:
King’s Profiles
The stories behind individuals who worked or performed at the King’s Theatre.
Oral History Highlights
Dive into the transcripts and audio recordings from our collection of Oral Histories featuring people who have worked, performed, or have memorable ties to the King’s.
Explore all themes in the full catalogue.
Spotlight On:
To help you dive deeper into the collection, we highlight themed selections that rotate regularly. These feature curated articles, oral histories, object highlights, and volunteer-led projects. Check it out here.
What is a working archive?
The People’s Archive is a living, growing collection. We continue to accept and digitise new donations, with updates made to the catalogue on a rolling basis. If you’ve recently donated items but don’t see them listed yet, it may be due to ongoing digitisation efforts. Please feel free to reach out for updates.
Interested in donating?
We warmly welcome donations related to the King’s Theatre, including:
- Performance photographs
- Contracts
- Programmes
- Playbills
- Autographed memorabilia
Need assistance?
Whether you’re curious about digitised items, interested in volunteering, or want to donate or access archival materials, we’re here to help. Get in touch using the contact button below.
