The Grand Old Lady and Her Neighbours

Mon 22 Jun 2026

The People's Archive | Made at the King’s: Community Responses to the Archive

A theatre, a community, and over a century of stories

For 120 years, The King’s Theatre has been both a place where special memories are made and a landmark for the people who live and work in Tollcross. Ahead of welcoming audiences back to the Kingʼs Theatre, we invited members of the Kingʼs Theatre Community Panel to share the other places in Tollcross that are important to them. You may recognise these places. Perhaps they hold a memory for you too.

This exhibition was initially displayed as a pop-up feature in Barclay Viewforth Church from 15th – 19th June 2026. Below is a digital gallery of the exhibition alongside quotes from visitors.

My hope for the King's future is success with solid financial future for next generations to enjoy and create new memories.
Selwyn

I hope that the King's Theatre will continue to play an active part in its local, national and international community. My work with blind people is ongoing as I am on Capital Theatres' list of audio describers and look forward to working in the new AD studio at the King's.
Bridget

I really hope that the long relationship that the King’s Theatre has had with the amateur stage will continue into the era of my grandchildren and my great grandchildren.
Fiona

My hope for the King's future is good hospitality and good cheer.
Richard

Since 1906, the King’s has staged theatre, pantomime and Edinburgh International Festival, now beautifully preserved for the next 120 years.
Vivien

I hope for future generations to come to find the unique love and magic of the King’s and keep it thriving.
Ben

I am looking forward to seeing the Grand Old Lady of Leven Street in all her glory whipping up a buzz and attracting the crowds back to Tollcross once again!
Annette

I hope that it will inspire future generations to have an interest and the opportunity to experience a range of live theatre at the King's Theatre Edinburgh and that the Community space can be used for a range of purposes to benefit the diverse local and wider community.
Florence

About the photographer

Anneleen Lindsay is an Edinburgh based photographer, who since 2021 has documented the journey of the Kingʼs Theatre prior to and throughout its extensive renovation. Anneleen observes and reflects upon how people relate to the specific environments they inhabit; collaborating with them to cast light on hidden stories and celebrate individuality, community and creativity. Her Kingʼs Theatre project won her a Creative Edinburgh Award and has been featured in the Guardian, Scotsman, Herald, BBC, ITV and The Stage amongst others. Anneleen has won / been shortlisted for BJP Portrait of Britain, RPS Documentary Awards, RPS IPE 167 and Julia Margaret Cameron Awards.