King’s Theatre refurbishment almost complete – Edinburgh Tattoo – The BIG Project – Advice on staying safe this Festival – Brave
Visitors to Edinburgh’s beloved King’s Theatre can look forward to a brighter, cooler and altogether more comfortable experience following an initial £2.6 million refurbishment.
The restoration project focused on improving the visitor experience while carrying out essential improvements to the fabric of the building. Works were completed in June, having begun on site in September 2011, although the theatre was able to remain open until the end of pantomime season in January.
Theatre goers will get their first taste of the refreshed venue when it opens its doors to the 2012 Edinburgh International Festival on 11th August.
Funded by The City of Edinburgh Council, Historic Scotland and The Nancie Massey Trust, works encompassed essential external works, including a new roof and extensive stonework repairs, redecoration of the main foyer and stairs, a new box office, new carpets in the main public areas, improved facilities for wheelchair users and improved ventilation to the auditorium.
New seats were made and installed in the Stalls and Dress Circle by Essex-based theatre seating specialists Kirwin and Simpson. They are replicas of a ‘lazarus’ style seat, popular in the 1900s, and offer more leg-room and comfort. Seating in parts of the Upper Circle has also been improved.
Of the new works only the box office has a contemporary look. Its improved facilities include an increased ticket sales area and a more visible presence from the street. All other works to public areas have been undertaken with a view to restoring the theatre to its original grandeur and aesthetic.
Culture and Leisure Convener, Cllr Richard Lewis, said: “From The Royal Shakespeare Company to the Gang Show, from the best of London’s West End to Stanley Baxter, the Grand Old Lady of Leven Street has been a firm Edinburgh favourite for over a century. This essential investment will ensure that audiences of all ages can continue to enjoy shows at the King’s in comfort for many more years to come.”
Duncan Hendry, Chief Executive of the Festival City Theatres Trust, added: “The first stage of the restoration project has made significant improvements to the front of house areas and the auditorium. I’m sure our audiences will see and feel a real difference and we look forward to welcoming them back. Our thanks to the City of Edinburgh Council for their substantial investment of £2.1million and continuing support.”
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The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo had a preview performance last night and we were invited to sit in the Royal Gallery to enjoy the show. It was a spectacle of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and military precision. We understand there may still be some tickets left as the show begins its month long run tonight. The Reporter met two Provosts last night, one from Clackmannanshire and one from Falkirk, who were very pleased to be there wearing all their regalia. Tina Murphy, who is the Provost of Clackmannanshire, is the first lady provost in that area. We discussed with them our own Lord Provost’s chain and how beautiful it is. We know the Lord Provost Donald Wilson loves wearing it and are showing him off today in our photo. And today is the day when the Festival Fringe gets underway for real…..
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The BIG Project is a youth and children’s charity based in Broomhouse Primary School 33-39 Saughton Road Edinburgh and they are performing at the Fringe! Tomorrow between 2-3 they will be singing at St Mark’s Artspace at 7 Castle Terrace. This is in the form of a Sing-a-long so you had better be in good voice! They performed at the Castle at the Olympic Torch relay and promise an uplifting hour of chart hits mash-ups, world music, action songs and more!
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Lothian and Borders Police are encouraging people visiting Edinburgh’s festivals to think about how they can guard against falling victim to crime.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists and visitors are expected to visit the Capital in the weeks ahead, and while incidents of crime remain relatively low during the festival period, the increased numbers of people in the city provide attractive opportunities for criminals.
The policing response to this year’s festival activity will focus on preventing crime, in particular theft, violent crime, and anti-social behaviour.
As part of this preventative approach, police are urging people to access advice on how they can protect themselves from becoming victims of crime.
Tips on crime prevention are available on information displays that have been erected in the High Street, while the Police Information Centre, also located in the High Street, will act as a hub where visitors will be able to obtain advice.
Chief Inspector Gavin Phillip, from Lothian and Borders Police, said: “Edinburgh’s festivals are world-renowned and attract a huge number of visitors, enhancing the Capital’s reputation as a safe place to visit, live, and work.
“We want to ensure that people enjoying the city during this period have an enjoyable time, and in that regard our policing plan in the month ahead will focus heavily on crime prevention.
“In particular, we want people to take steps to keep their personal possessions safe and avoid falling victim to thieves. Â Likewise, we are asking revellers taking advantage of the extended opening hours during the festival to be mindful of their personal safety.
“A range of crime prevention advice is available on the Lothian and Borders Police website, and I would urge those planning to visit the city centre in the weeks ahead to visit the site at www.lbp.police.uk.”
Community Safety Leader, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “Edinburgh really comes alive during the festival season with thousands of people flocking to the city centre to take in all the fantastic events taking place.
“Thanks to the great partnership work between City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders Police the Capital is a safe place, however it’s important people take steps to ensure they don’t fall victim to crime.
“There will also be extra patrols from both police and the Council’s community safety officers and environmental wardens to ensure the city continues to offer a very warm welcome to visitors from all over the world.”
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Brave sets out on its Scottish journey today in Edinburgh cinemas. The Filmhouse is showing it at 13.00 and a variety of other times. We loved it and we hope you do too.
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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
