The King's Theatre in Edinburgh has given a first look into what it could be like once the iconic venue reopens in 2025.
Following a huge campaign to 'Save the Kings', Capital Theatres released digital images giving an artist’s impression of the redevelopment of the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh, which started earlier this year after the crisis campaign brought the project back from the brink.
The theatre's precious history and heritage will be preserved and celebrated, while a new street-level café will offer a community hub for Tollcross. There will also be level entry from seat to street to stage with new lifts and wide staircases, which will offer better access for audiences and artists, whatever their needs, for the first time in the building’s history.
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During intervals, new bars and entertaining spaces will ease crowding and audience members will enjoy more comfortable seating in the upper circle.
Succession star Brian Cox, Honorary Patron of the King’s Theatre, said: “The King’s is vital to the Scottish Theatre ecology and a key touring venue which brings a variety of genres to the central belt; not to mention a source of comfort and joy in panto season.
"It is now undergoing an exciting redevelopment, bringing her into the 21st century, addressing access problems, and preserving her future as a beating cultural heart for generations to come. It’s essential that we do these works now to protect one of Edinburgh’s historic gems. Please support the King’s Future today.”
Fiona Gibson CEO of Capital Theatres who runs the King’s Theatre said: “Now the project is underway it’s hugely inspiring to watch the flythrough which hints at the vital new life the redevelopment will bring to our beloved King’s Theatre.
"The café will open up the building by day for the local community of Tollcross; the improved access will make it a truly democratic space; there’ll be greater comfort and excellent hospitality; an inspirational creative engagement space; and a stage to welcome an even greater variety of performances.
"We’re incredibly grateful for so much support and there’s still lots of opportunities to support the King’s Future and be part of its rejuvenation.”
Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said: “Edinburgh’s reputation as a world-renowned cultural and creative hub is sustained by venues such as the King’s Theatre and it’s exciting to see their redevelopment plans progressing.
"Generations of audiences have enjoyed a rich diversity of shows from its annual pantomimes to world premieres at the Edinburgh International Festival.
“The Scottish Government is providing a total of £10.35 million in funding for the King’s Theatre to support the redevelopment of the grade A-listed theatre and enable the King’s Theatre to reach out to a wider range of audience and increase its community engagement.”
A huge fundraising campaign is allowing the King’s Theatre to survive. Capital Theatres gives its thanks to the commitment from many donors, the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council, National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Capital Theatres (the charity which manages the council-owned venue), the project is up and running. There is still £1.5m to raise to see the redevelopment through to its conclusion. You can learn more and donate at www.capitaltheatres.com/kings-future.
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