The King’s Theatre has been awarded two payments amounting to £2.5million from the Scottish Government, closing the funding gap for the main construction works needed to redevelop this much-loved Tollcross landmark. With the capital funding now in place, fundraising will continue to ensure the interior of the historic Edwardian venue that is the King’s Theatre is fully equipped and ready to welcome audiences when it reopens in summer 2026. The redeveloped King’s Theatre will be a tremendous asset for Edinburgh as it will be a heritage venue that is equipped to host modern productions as well as meet the needs of today’s audiences and communities. It will be accessible to all and so fit for the 21st century.
Since construction began in February 2023, the ambitious redevelopment of the building means it has been transformed by dramatic structural improvements, including a raised fly tower to accommodate larger, more ambitious productions. The replacement of the old, raked stage with a new level surface that will be better suited for genres such as dance and circus, thereby widening the scope of possibilities that can be staged.
With accessibility at the heart of the redevelopment, its reopening will be one of the few heritage-listed theatres in the UK with lifts serving all levels of the building, creating a level journey from street to seat or stage for the first time in the theatre’s 120-year history. It will also include a publicly registered Changing Places Toilet for use by anyone who needs it in the Tollcross area.
Open all day for the first time, the King’s Theatre will offer welcoming new public spaces, including a street-level café; a Creative Engagement Studio for workshops; community projects and events and a range of heritage displays and artefacts that bring the building’s story to life.
Alongside the physical transformations, the theatre’s rich history is celebrated by The People’s Archive – a digital archive of more than 3,000 items contributed by audiences, performers and staff. This growing archive ensures the King’s Theatre’s remarkable story continues to inspire future generations.
MSP for Lothian (Region), Jeremy Balfour, said “As a local MSP, I know how important the Kings Theatre is to the local community and people and I have ensured that this historic landmark will continue to host local, national and international theatre productions for generations to come.
The redeveloped King’s Theatre, with its new café, social spaces and accessible facilities, will give a much-needed financial boost to the Tollcross area of Edinburgh and be a welcoming and inclusive space for all.”
“I am proud to have championed the refurbishment and reopening of the Kings’ Theatre in Edinburgh in the Scottish Parliament. The King’s Theatre offers a full theatre experience, from large-scale musicals to local productions, ensuring there’s something for everyone, and I for one can’t wait to see what the programme for July 2026 and beyond has in store.”
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 