The King’s Theatre is one of Edinburgh’s most legendary venues and it will be re-opening its doors to audiences following an extended closure.
The theatre has been shut since August 2022 for refurbishment and modernisation works.
However, audiences will be welcomed back with open arms from Saturday, August 1, right on time for the start of festival season in Edinburgh.
Announcing the reopening of the King’s, Fiona Gibson, chief executive of Capital Theatres, said:“ We are absolutely thrilled to officially welcome people back to the King’s Theatre on Saturday 1 August for our Opening Weekend.
“Hundreds of people have been hard at work on our beautiful building and we can’t wait to show you what’s changed, what’s stayed the same and how the theatre plans to welcome you all back over the coming year.
“Come and have a peek at the new bars, experience the all-new lifts to every floor, enjoy the rare chance to step onto the new flat stage, or simply have a drink in the new café, our team is excited to see you again.”
Throughout the decades, the King’s stage has played hosted to many stars and productions, as well as cherished traditions such as the annual pantomime and Gang Show.
As the King’s Theatre reopens to the public, we take a look back at some of the best photographs from the theatre’s history, featuring stars of years past such as Stanley Baxter, Rikki Fulton, Una McClean, Gerard Kelly and many more.
Take a step back in time with our retro gallery below:
9. Jimmy Logan and Una McLean in 1987
Scottish entertainers Jimmy Logan (as Dame Lizzie Trotter) and Una McLean (as Wondernan) were appearing in Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime at the King's theatre Edinburgh, December 1987. | TSPL
10. Rocky Horror Show audience 1987
Lynn Sheret, James Nisbet and Susan Campbell, all from Dalkeith, in the traditional suspenders and fish-net stockings, dress code for The Rocky Horror Show at Edinburgh's King's theatre in September 1987. | TSPL
11. Rikki Fulton in 1980/81
Scottish entertainer Rikki Fulton applying make-up in his dressing room backstage at the King's theatre in Edinburgh, where he was appearing in the Babes in the Wood pantomime over the festive season 1980/81. | TSPL
12. The Krankies in 1982
The Krankies (Janette Tough & Ian Tough) with a group of children at the King's theatre in Edinburgh, May 1982. | TSPL