The first few shows to be staged at the newly renovated King’s Theatre have been announced.
There will be a bit of everything as always from the West End shows to drama, dance and family entertainment. Audiences are promised more dance than before with the new level stage door and Jasmin Vardimon’s Lullaby will come to the theatre in September. This is a groundbreaking new piece with a storyline set in a hospital.
Other upcoming productions include Tony Roper’s washhouse comedy The Steamie (5-10 October), a brand-new family musical Toto The Ninja Cat (23-25 October) based on the best-selling children’s books by Dermot O’Leary, a new musical Rollers Forever (27-31 October) celebrating that boyband, and Crown of Blood (3-6 March 2027), a powerful new Yoruba adaptation of Macbeth.
Edinburgh’s community companies return to the King’s stage, with the Edinburgh Gilbert & Sullivan Society in sparkling satire Iolanthe (14-17 October) and the Scouts and Girl Guides in the Gang Show (17-21 November).
The pantomime returns to its spiritual home for the first time since 2021, as fan favourites Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young star in a brand-new production The Adventures of Pinocchio (28 November 2026 to 17 January 2027).
Other highlights include:
· Operation Mincemeat (2-7 November) the West End and Broadway smash hit and winner of the 2024 Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
Chariots of Fire (15-19 September) a brand-new stage adaptation of the multi-award-winning film, directed by Roxana Silbert and written by Mike Bartlett.
· Wallace (30 September-3 October) a bold new hip-hop musical written by Rob Drummond with music and lyrics by Dave Hook and produced by Raw Material, exploring one of Scotland’s most legendary figures.
All these dates are for your diary and tickets go on sale soon.
Priority booking by Friends of Capital Theatres opens from 26 November 11am, with general public sales opening on 3 December.
www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on
Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive, Capital Theatres, said: “In less than one year, the iconic King’s Theatre stage will burst into life once more with a beautifully curated programme of shows, offering something for everyone. The King’s Theatre has always been known as the People’s Theatre, and we can’t wait throw our doors open wide to welcome back our wonderful audiences.
“Our autumn 2026 season at the King’s is filled with passion, pride and the magic of live performance, from Olympic legends in Chariots of Fire, to the hotly anticipated Operation Mincemeat and a new take on a Scottish legend in Wallace. We are one step closer to hearing the roar of a King’s crowd once more, and I cannot wait to share this unforgettable new chapter with the city of Edinburgh.”
David Cairns, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central East, said: “The announcement of the first shows at the new King’s Theatre marks an important milestone in the return of this vital part of Edinburgh’s cultural landscape. As redevelopment work continues, seeing the programme take shape highlights the value this project brings to the city. Working closely with Capital Theatres, we are applying precision, care and innovation to preserve the building’s heritage while delivering a high-quality modernisation that secures its future for generations to come.”
James Nelmes, Director at Bennetts Associates, said: “After years of dedicated and determined effort from our project team, Bennetts Associates is thrilled to see the transformational redevelopment of the King’s Theatre taking shape as we edge closer to completion. Our design makes optimum use of the spaces inside the original 1906 building and sensitively adapts what already exists. With the stage floor laid, staircases installed and the final colours and finishes beginning to emerge, we are starting to glimpse the magic of what’s to come. Now, all that remains is for the building to welcome back its audience and discover the exciting first new programme. We can’t wait to see this magnificent theatre alive with people once again.”
The theatre renovations include two front of house lifts to all floors and one back of house serving the stage, more wheelchair spaces, new end of row seats with transfer arms for wheelchair users and some wider seats in the stalls. There are also new accessible toilets and a Changing Places toilet facility.
And – most importantly of all perhaps is the new street level café, a Creative Engagement Studio for workshops and community events and a range of heritage displays.
www.capitaltheatres.com/kings-future
