The King’s is integral to the heart beat of the Capital - Liam Rudden

OVERLY blessed with theatres, one Edinburgh venue tugs at the heart-strings more than most, the old lady of Leven Street herself, The King’s.

The King's, Edinburgh

Like many in the Capital, it was the first theatre I was taken to as a child and the one I’ve visited more than any other since.

It’s Edinburgh’s ‘everyman’ theatre, the ‘people’s theatre’, where, regardless of class and social standing, comfort to be taken from a menu of everything from modern thrillers to those much-loved staples of the touring circuit, the whodunits peopled with TV of yesteryear, as well as small scale musicals, favourite farces and commercial comedies.

Something for everyone, in fact, and that’s before mentioning the annual panto, which for so many in is an early introduction to the magical world of theatre.

Though spoiled for choice, The King’s reigns in my opinion. The Playhouse may also be a delight but, designed as a cinema, its size strips away the intimacy The King’s affords. The Festival Theatre too hides a spectacular auditorium behind its glass front but again its size, while ideal for the touring West End blockbusters it brings to town, dwarfs the average touring show The Traverse and Royal Lyceum, meanwhile, are very different beasts altogether.

Much of what makes the Leven Street theatre special is its character. It’s not modern, all sleek lines and open spaces, but a traditional build, ornate and full of nooks and crannies that are undoubtedly a nightmare to upkeep, but would we have it any other way?

And while the planned redevelopment of aspects of the building may now be long overdue, despite that it retains its charm, even if a degree of modernisation would be welcome backstage by actors and producers alike.

Taking a trip behind the curtain is like taking a trip back in time and over the years I’ve had many opportunities to do so, whether interviewing the latest star name to tour to town or to pop up on stage in a cameo for a feature I was writing. I’ve also been lucky enough to spend time in the company of some of the very passionate people who have worked in the theatre over the years and hear many of their wonderful stories.

Over time, I’ve watched every one from Peggy Mount to Patrick Stewart, the late great Eric Sykes to Jason Connery (trodding the same boards his father Sir Sean once did), and even Hinge and Bracket hold King’s audiences in their thrall.

There can be few in the city who do not have at least one heart-felt memory of The King’s and others with so many more, it therefore seems unthinkable that the current pandemic would be allowed to close its doors once and for all. Yet that scenario seems scarily possible without funding assistance from the Scottish Government - allowing the theatre to close would be a serious dereliction of duty on their part.

The simple fact is, The King’s is far, far more than just a theatre. So much more than just an ‘Edinburgh institution’ even, the King’s Theatre is an integral beat in the heart of the Capital.

It’s time to #SaveOurKings and ensure it’s still there #AfterTheInterval

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