We’re delighted to be receiving a £6.5 million grant contribution from the Scottish Government towards the £25 million redevelopment of the King’s Theatre. Minister for Culture and International Development Jenny Gilruth MSP confirmed the total grant funding this week.
This grant from the Scottish Government joins £4 million already secured from the City of Edinburgh Council along with additional loan funding. The rest of the budget is made-up of generous donations from individuals, grants from trusts and foundations, support from companies and Capital Theatres’ own contribution from ticket income. Alongside this an application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund is currently moving into its second stage. The grant from Scottish Government consolidates a robust mixed funding model and paves the way for a public campaign to fundraise for the remaining £3 million.
Alongside this, Southern Light Opera have this week announced a fundraising event, in aid of the King’s Redevelopment Campaign, ‘Southern Light Sings for the King’s’, which will take place in the larger Festival Theatre to give the fundraising the biggest chance possible in the larger venue. Edinburgh’s longest established musical theatre company starts its 125th season with a selection of well-loved songs from previous productions.
Having performed in the King’s since 1925, Southern Light are well aware of how much work the King’s needs, and we’re grateful for their dedication to the project.
Fiona Gibson, CEO of Capital Theatres said:
Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said:
City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Donald Wilson said:
City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Donald Wilson said:
Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan, Culture and Communities Vice Convener said:
“The King’s is in need of this capital project to bring the theatre back to a standard fit for the 21st century whilst acknowledging the incredible history. This capital funding contribution is great news and a fantastic achievement for the theatre and will substantially strengthen its redevelopment ambitions, ensuring that we will all be able to continue to enjoy a great night at the King’s for many more years and generations to come.”
Opened in 1906, the King’s Theatre, Edinburgh is an important venue for touring drama, musicals and children’s shows. It is home to Scotland’s biggest Panto production and each year plays a pivotal role in hosting the Edinburgh International Festival. The King’s has a unique place in the hearts and minds of many Edinburgh residents, and is a theatre of national and historical importance. The redevelopment will modernise the existing facilities and transform the experiences of visitors, local communities, performers and staff, whilst preserving its unique heritage. The plans will ensure the theatre remains a vital part of Edinburgh and Scotland’s cultural provision, as well as functioning as a community hub for years to come. The redevelopment project is set to start in September 2022, with the theatre planned to reopen in mid-2024.