Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre staff return to celebrate the anniversary of its opening

The King’s Theatre Edinburgh opened for the first time on 8 December 1906 with a performance of Cinderella, and today members of the staff gathered safely and at a distance to celebrate its 114th Anniversary in the empty auditorium and to carry wonderful memories and hope into the theatre’s 115th year.

There is still a long way to go to ensure that the King’s is saved for the long-term but the team will put everything into ensuring the lights remain on for years to come.

The King’s were forced to shut their doors in March due to the pandemic and were faced with unprecedented uncertainty alongside all theatres around the country, however as 2021 comes into view the staff continue to work on plans for reopening both the King’s and Festival theatres next spring.

Usually on this day the auditorium would be packed with families enjoying the pantomime, and the staff would be having just as much fun welcoming them and preparing to lift the curtain once the final technical and wardrobe adjustments had been made.

Today each members of staff shared their favourite pantomime memories.

Linda Hogg, Front of House Manager for Capital Theatres

Linda Hogg, head of front of house and customer services has worked at Capital Theatres for 26 years including 25 panto seasons.

She said: “My favourite moment every year is the pantette. We do 82 panto shows each year, and every year one of the staff writes a pantette, which is a spoof panto.

"After the show one night we’ll have a drink in the bar and head down to the auditorium for the pantette, and it feels like a community. And that for me and most of the staff is their favourite night.”

Jim Cursiter, technician said: “This year was meant to be my 40th panto. I’m the flyman. It’s a very busy season.

Jim Cursiter, Technician

“I love the festival too. Working with companies from all over the world. I’ve worked at the King’s since 1981.”

Jimmy Beacham, head of ticketing and revenue has worked at Capital Theatres for 25 years including 25 panto seasons and added: “This time of the year, there is such a buzz at box office and putting the shows in and I just love seeing the families coming in. And a lot of the children and adults are so exciting. I’ve been doing it such a long time, I really desperately miss it.”

A Crowdfunder this summer saw a huge outpouring of support for Capital Theatres’ Festival Theatre and King’s Theatre.

A message from the Editor:

Jimmy Beacham, Head of Ticketing and Revenue

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