As the familiar sights of the Old Lady of Leven Street slowly fade so a New Lady Of Leven Street slowly emerges. The redevelopment of the King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, is now nearing the half way mark and Capital Theatres, the trust that manages the city’s King’s, Festival and Studio theatres, has released more than 150 photographs documenting the work so far.
In this gallery I have chosen the nine that capture the sheer scale of the endeavour being undertaken and the massive transformation that is underway. In these images by Anneleen Lindsay, The King’s also gives up some its long forgotten secrets, hidden doorways, bricked up windows and long lost relics of a night out at the theatre; who remembers Walls’ Gaytime Ice Cream? All are snapshots of another chapter in the history of Edinburgh’s true people’s theatre.
Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres said: “It is incredibly exciting to be almost at the halfway point of the King’s Theatre redevelopment project. This is a particularly significant moment because the end of the demolition work is in sight, and the new features of the theatre are taking shape. We are privileged to be the current custodians of the King’s Theatre and remain immensely grateful for the support of our funders, partners and audience members as we preserve this magnificent heritage building for the next generation.”
Click pictures to enlarge.
Grew up in Tarvit Street in 40s/50s. Spent many Saturdays in The Gods, which I think were higher then? And all the kids in the street would go along to watch the beautifully dressed audience going in to the evening performances. Saw Princess Margaret once. I am so glad the old Theatre is being renovted.
You’re memory may not be playing tricks, Ellen, there was a fourth gallery above the circles which was removed in 1951 as it became unsafe, so if you were around then, it could be you were watching from there. Glad the pictures brought back some great memories. Thanks for sharing them.
LR
Thank you for sharing these key photographs at the halfway point.
A pleasure, Alan. LR