Whether it was favourites like Stanley Baxter, John Grieve, Una McLean and Russell Hunter playing in annual pantomimes, veteran actors such as Sir John Gielgud and John Mills or stars who would find fame later, like future James Bond, Timothy Dalton and Garbage lead singer Shirley Manson, they were all here.
Scroll through these old photos selected from the Evening News archive and get a flavour of theatre life and entertainment in the Capital in the early 1970s.
17. Gibson's cup of tea
The Evening News' very own John Gibson tries on a cup and saucer hat, one of the props and costumes from Edinburgh theatres for sale at Murrayfield in July 1970 | TSPL Photo: Albert Jordan
18. Tis Pity She's a Whore
Sir Ian McKellen and Felicity Kendal in the Lyceum Theatre production of Tis Pity She's a Whore during the Edinburgh Festival 1972. | TSPL Photo: Ian Brand
19. Checking the script
Scottish actors Stanley Baxter (left) and John Grieve check out the script at the King's Theatre Edinburgh in September 1970. | TSPL Photo: Ian Brand
20. Carriage for sale
Flower-covered carriage - one of the props and costumes from Edinburgh theatres for sale at Murrayfield in July 1970 | TSPL Photo: Albert Jordan