They have played host to big names like music superstar Elton John, American rock icon Tina Turner and Russian ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev, as well as hundreds of lesser known actors, dancers and musicians.
Theatres are an essential part of the city's fabric and integral to the Capital's cultural scene.
Here are some fascinating black and white photos, selected from the Evening News archive, of shows, stars and staging from 40 years ago.
Scroll through the old pictures and get a flavour of what was happening on stage in the mid-1980s.
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21. Tina Turner at Playhouse
American rock singer and actress Tina Turner on stage at the Playhouse Theatre in Edinburgh, March 1985. | TSPL Photo: Albert Jordan
22. 'I used to scream and shout'
Actors Eleanor David, Julia Blalock and Sheila Reid in 'When I Was a Girl I Used to Scream and Shout' at the Lyceum theatre during Edinburgh Festival 1985. | TSPL Photo: Ian Brand
23. National Youth Music Theatre
The National Youth Music Theatre won a Fringe First for Jack Spratt VC during Edinburgh Festival 1985. | TSPL Photo: Alan Macdonald
24. A Wee Touch of Class'
Paul Young and Rikki Fulton in the Perth Theatre Company production of A Wee Touch of Class at the Church Hill theatre during Edinburgh Festival 1985. | TSPL Photo: Ian Brand