Shakespeare put it best when he wrote that 'all the world's a stage' - even if the legendary bard wasn't referring specifically to the parks of Scotland's capital city.
In 1937, as part of Edinburgh's coronation celebrations to mark the accession to the throne of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, an open-air theatre was opened at Braidburn Valley Park.
Workmen dug out terraces for tiered seating on one side of the park, while a grass stage area and sunken orchestra pit was created on the opposite side of the Braid Burn and framed by a row of trees. Viewed from above, the entire amphitheatre was made in the shape of the Royal Crown.
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That June, a thousand schoolchildren gave a massed display of dancing and gymnastics, with the coronation spectacle attracting a bumper crowd of more than 3,000 people.
Having been purchased by the council in 1933, Braidburn Valley Park was one of the city's newest green spaces. It had been farmland until the late 19th century, and had been protected from development in the years that followed due to its steep slopes that made it unsuitable for building homes.
The outdoor theatre proved very popular in its early years. Stage shows were halted for the duration of the Second World War, however, the Braidburn facility did host a series of church services in the early 1940s.
The stage was brought back into use again after the war by local drama groups and opera companies. In 1945, the Philip Barrett Company staged a production of A Midsummer's Night Dream at the venue, along with The Merchant of Venice. As You Like It, which famously includes Shakespeare's 'all the world's a stage' line, also featured that year.
Other stage productions held at Braidburn Valley Park in the 1940s include Rob Roy, A Country Girl and Merrie England, with the latter being part of a large pageant that took up the entire park.
In June 1947, the Southern Light Opera Company performed a successful week's run of the Vagabond King at the amphitheatre - despite driving wind and rain threatening to spoil the opening night for the hundreds in attendance.
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The Scotsman reported: "Despite unfavourable weather conditions - intermittent rain, which threatened to 'wash-out' the show, and a wind which growled through the amplifiers like thunder - the Southern Light Opera Company carried through their production of The Vagabond King at the open-air theatre, Braidburn Valley Park, Edinburgh, last night with a commendable charm and verve.
"A composite setting, depicting court and tavern, added to the attractive background of greenery and the colour of costumes.
"Given less formidable weather conditions - and a little sunshine - the production should have a successful run for the rest of the week."
Later decades witnessed everything from sheep dog trials and scout shows to Edinburgh Festival Fringe performances and smaller local events taking place on the outdoor stage.
Shows in recent years have sadly been a rarity at the Braidburn Valley Park. However, the stage and terraces of the 85-year-old outdoor amphitheatre have thankfully all been preserved and are just waiting for the next performance to start.
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