21 brilliant retro photos from King's Theatre history as iconic Edinburgh venue reopens

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.”

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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: