King's Theatre, Edinburgh

As one of Scotland’s oldest working theatres and the only surviving operational theatre by architects Swanston and Davidson, the Grade A listed King’s Theatre occupies a special place in Edinburgh’s cultural landscape. Following a major redevelopment, this iconic venue has now reopened, revealing an incredible transformation that combines its restored heritage with upgraded facilities, accessibility and technical capabilities required to secure its future as a vibrant and sustainable performance venue for generations to come.

Working with Capital Theatres, Bennetts Associates and Sandy Brown Acoustics, alongside the wider design team, Theatreplan provided theatre planning, stage engineering, lighting, AV and technical infrastructure design. Through a programme of workshops, site visits and consultation with Capital Theatres’ staff and stakeholders, we were able to develop a clear understanding of the aspirations for the building, where challenges existed and what opportunities the redevelopment could unlock. The resulting solutions balanced competing priorities and ensured that the people who use the theatre everyday remained at the centre of the process.

Theatreplan recommended significant improvement options, including the extension of the fly tower, replacement of the counterweight flying system, improved grid access, levelling of the previously raked stage floor, enhanced auditorium lighting positions and upgraded technical infrastructure throughout the building. Particular attention was given to improving operational efficiency, helping touring productions load in, install and perform more safely and efficiently. In contrast to these technical interventions, historic elements of the theatre’s machinery and fabric have been carefully retained and displayed, ensuring that the building’s unique history continues to be celebrated.

The transformation extends well beyond the stage. Improvements throughout the auditorium, circulation routes and public spaces create a more welcoming and accessible experience for audiences. The upper balcony seating was renewed and reconfigured, new wheelchair positions have been created and many end of row seats have transfer arms for added flexibility.

New multi-purpose spaces have also been introduced to support learning, participation and community activity, and backstage facilities have been radically upgraded to create better working environments for performers, visiting companies and theatre staff.

The reopened King’s Theatre retains the character and atmosphere that generations of audiences know and value, while offering significantly improved facilities for artists, technicians and visitors alike. The theatre celebrated its reopening in August 2026, just in time to host its Edinburgh Festival shows.