Discover Edinburgh Things to Do in Edinburgh Theatres




EDINBURGH THEATRES

Edinburgh Theatres offer an unparalleled plethora of stage productions and performance in Scotland, ranging from ballet to dance, Shakespeare to Mozart and musicals to stand-up comedy. The vibrant theatre scene in the Scottish capital particularly caters for light entertainment and accessible drama, offering an excellent choice of ticket prices suitable for all budgets.

Read more (+)
Over 9000 performances are staged in Edinburgh Theatres annually which regularly showcase large touring productions of national and international importance as well as providing venues for the world renowned Edinburgh Festival and Fringe Festival every August.

Most theatres in Edinburgh are centrally located and within walking distance from each other. The Edinburgh Playhouse is one of the chief theatres in Edinburgh situated a short 5-minute walk from the city's main thoroughfare, Princes Street. The Playhouse scores high for accessibility with excellent public transport links and a multi-storey car park facing this remarkable venue.

One of Edinburgh's other leading theatre venues is the King's Theatre which regularly showcases productions from Europe's largest theatre production company, The Royal National Theatre Company. This elegant Edwardian is Edinburgh's bastion of variety performances and pantomime.

The crème de la crème of Edinburgh Theatres and Concert Venues is inarguably the Usher Hall situated in Edinburgh's West End. Built in 1914, it is regarded as one of the finest concert venues in the world, renowned for its lavishly ornate interior and domed exterior. The Usher Hall regularly showcases international icons from the music industry and plays host to an extensive range of musical genres; from rock and funk to classical and jazz performances.

Whatever time of year you arrive in Edinburgh, whether it be The Edinburgh International Festival, Autumn, Winter or Spring, you will be captivated with Edinburgh's phenomenal array of stage performances, concert events and comedy. There is truly something for everyone and that is why Edinburgh ranks second after London as a leading UK destination for Theatre Breaks.

  • The Usher Hall


    Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH1 2EA

    The Usher Hall in Edinburgh's West End is undoubtedly one of the world's most striking concert halls, en par with New York's Carnegie Hall and The Royal Albert Hall in London. Donated to the City of Edinburgh by philanthropist Andrew Usher, this classical edifice was competed in 1914 and architecturally, The Usher Hall owes much of its features to the French Beaux Arts style.
  • The Kings Theatre


    2 Leven Street, Edinburgh EH3 9LQ

    Completed in 1905 by Edinburgh builder, William Stewart Cruikshank, The King's Theatre, Edinburgh opened its doors to the public in 1906 with a performance of Cinderella to mark the occasion. Pantomimes have always been an integral part of this Edinburgh Theatre for almost a century, appearing every Christmas Season.

  • Traverse Theatre


    10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh EH1 2ED

    Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre is dubbed as 'Scotland's new writing theatre' and has an established reputation of excellence since it first opened in 1963. The Traverse showcases an extensive programme of award-winning productions and is a highly acclaimed theatre venue for audiences and critics alike.
  • Theatre Workshop


    34 Hamilton Place, Edinburgh EH3 5AX

    Established in 1965, Theatre Workshop is Edinburgh's premier arts and drama centre for children. The Theatre's objectives are to share and provide social, political and cultural insights, enabling individuals to develop and change themselves and the world in which they live.


  • Royal Lyceum Theatre


    Grindlay Street, Edinburgh EH3 9AX

    Home to the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company, The Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh is a fine example of Victorian elegance. This magnificent building was completed in 1883 and was originally managed by Howard and Wyndham. The Royal Lyceum has long remained one of Edinburgh's foremost theatres and in 1965; its own theatre group took ownership and have sustained its growth into the 21st Century.
  • Queens Hall


    85-89 Clerk Street, Edinburgh EH8 9JG

    The Queen's Hall in Edinburgh offers an extensive plethora of performances and events throughout the year, featuring a wide range of artists and genres. This Edinburgh venue house The Scottish Chamber Orchestra and regularly showcases classical, jazz, blues, pop, rock, world music, folk and comedy.


  • Edinburgh Playhouse


    18-22, Greenside Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AA

    Designed as a variety theatre by Glasgow Architect John Fairweather, The Edinburgh Playhouse is one of the most renowned theatres in Edinburgh, Scotland and the UK. It offers an impressive array of productions and musicals as well as providing a venue to stage events for the Edinburgh International Festival every year.
  • Edinburgh Festival Theatre


    13/29 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9FT

    Established in June 1994, The Edinburgh Festival Theatre is the capital's leading venue for Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet and is undoubtedly the most popular of Edinburgh Theatres. This theatre stages contemporary choreography and dance, international ballet production companies, large-scale musicals and a plethora of one- night concert events.
  • Brunton Theatre


    Ladywell Way, Musselburgh EH21 6AA

    Situated at the western edge of the coastal town of Musselburgh, some 5 miles to the east Edinburgh City Centre, Brunton Theatre is located within Brunton Hall, a municipal owned by East Lothian Council. This modern theatre has a 296-seat capacity and each seat has a clear view of the stage.
  • Bedlam Theatre


    11 Bristo Place, Edinburgh EH1 1EZ

    The Bedlam Theatre is a familiar and prominent landmark that is clearly visible from The Royal Mile in Edinburgh's Old Town. Housed in an imposing former neo-gothic church dating from 1864, the building has a colourful history and is allegedly located near the former site of Edinburgh's first lunatic asylum - hence the name of this distinctive theatre.