1,252 days after construction started, the Edinburgh Kings Theatre reopened to audiences last night, following a major £40 million+ transformation. The 120-year-old theatre, known fondly to locals as The Old Lady Of Leven Street, can also now boast being one of the UK’s most accessible heritage buildings.
Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres, the charity that manages the King’s Theatre, says, “Today is a landmark moment for the King’s Theatre and for everyone who has supported its journey back to the heart of Edinburgh’s cultural life. We’ve carefully preserved everything people love about this extraordinary building while transforming it for the future.
“The King’s is now ready to welcome more people than ever before, creating new possibilities for audiences, artists and communities. The new level stage, enhanced technical facilities and improved backstage access strengthen its position as one of Scotland’s leading venues for touring productions, co-producing and commissioning, ensuring we are ready to bring the very best live performances to Edinburgh for generations to come.
THE REIMAGINED AUDITORIUM
Gibson, continues, “For 120 years the King’s has been a place where Edinburgh comes together to laugh, to cry, to celebrate and to be inspired. Today we’re opening the doors not just to a restored theatre, but to a building that truly lives up to its reputation of being the People’s Theatre. It is an absolute privilege to welcome audiences back and begin this exciting new chapter together.”
The Grade A listed King’s Theatre, the only surviving working theatre designed by Swanston & Davidson now has lifts serving every public floor, providing step-free access from street to seat and stage for the first time. The auditorium now includes eight dedicated wheelchair spaces in the Stalls, two in the Dress Circle as well as 40 seats with hinged armrests to enable easy transfer from a wheelchair, alongside 12 wider seats also in the Stalls.
THE BARS
The transformation extends beyond accessibility. A new level stage replaces the original raked stage, creating greater flexibility for a wider range of genres, and a 4.5-metre extension to the fly tower and upgraded technical infrastructure mean the King’s can welcome more technically demanding touring productions that to better shorter get-in and get-out times and provide a better working environment.
The redevelopment creates opportunities for the King’s to play a deeper role in the life of the city with a street-level café, redesigned public spaces and heritage exhibition spaces to attract people into the building throughout the day, whether attending a performance or not.
THE CAFE
Throughout the redevelopment, expert craftspeople have carefully conserved the theatre’s distinctive character, from the stained-glass panels in the doors and decorative plasterwork to the iconic John Byrne dome painting. The transformation of King’s was designed by architects Bennetts Associates and delivered by Robertson Construction Central East. The City of Edinburgh Council played a key role in creating the theatre’s level journey from street to seat by installing the levelled pavement, handrails and bollards on the public walkway outside the venue.
Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, says, “The King’s Theatre – Edinburgh’s Grand Old Lady – is the star of the show, but it is a cast of thousands that make this such a treasured venue. Generations of theatre lovers, Christmas panto fans, local and international talent and, of course, the passionate local community that support The King’s have all helped create the very special character that defines it.”
More details and full Kings Theatre programme HERE
