The current major development of Edinburgh’s belovèd King’s Theatre started earlier this year after a crisis campaign brought the project back from the brink. Capital Theatres, the charity that manages the Council owned King’s as well as the Festival Theatre, has released a fly through digital animation giving an artist’s impression of the redevelopment voiced by King’s Theatre Honorary Patron Brian Cox and star of TV series Succession, who has been integral to the campaign to save the King’s.
The animation showcases some of the major improvements of this transformative project that include:
a new street level café – the first step into what will be a thriving daytime community hub for Tollcross
level entry from seat to street to stage with new lifts and wide staircases which will allow better access for audiences and artists, whatever their needs, for the first time in the building’s history
new bars and entertaining spaces will ease interval crowding and offer new hospitality opportunities
more comfortable seating in the upper circle
a new fully accessible double height Creative Engagement Studio to inspire a life-long love of theatre across the generations
a state-of-the-art scenery fly system, de-raked stage and better orchestra pit will allow a broader range of productions to tour to the King’s
improved sightlines and ventilation in the auditorium for a superb audience experience
the King’s precious history and heritage will be preserved and celebrated.
The project is up and running thanks to a huge commitment from many donors including the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Capital Theatres.
While a huge fundraising campaign is allowing the King’s Theatre to survive, £1.5m is still to be raised to see the redevelopment through to its conclusion.
To learn more and donate please visit www.capitaltheatres.com/kings-future
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 