The Old Lady of Leven Street opens to the public after major restoration works.
The curtain rises today on the newly levelled stage at Edinburgh adored King’s Theatre, as Capital Theatres welcomes audiences back through the doors of following a massive restoration project.
Main contractor, Robertson Construction Central East, completed the major refurbishment of the Grade A-listed venue, now celebrating its 120th year, delivering the UK’s most accessible heritage theatre.
The result is a building reborn for the 21st century audiences, while holding fast to the character that has made it a fixture of the capital’s cultural scene for generations.
More than 50 Robertson supply chain partners were involved in the project, with dramatic upgrades throughout the 1,125-seat, 9,184m² venue. The fly tower has been extended by 4.5 metres, opening the door to bigger and more ambitious touring shows, while hospitality space has more than doubled, from a capacity of 200 to 405.
The old raked stage has also been swapped out for a new level stage, built to meet the demands of modern productions – particularly dance productions.
Theatregoers will notice the difference the moment they step inside. New foyers, bars and learning spaces await, with easier ways of getting about, revamped toilets, and a new street-level café all designed to draw the local community in for more than just show nights.
Striking new windows on all four floors allow natural light flood the interior, while opening up sightlines in and out of the building.
Accessibility has been transformed. Lifts now reach every public floor, giving audiences step-free access from street to seat to stage for the first time. Wheelchair spaces have increased in the auditorium – including, for the first time, in the Dress Circle – while every level now has accessible toilets, plus a new Changing Places facility.
Behind the scenes, the theatre’s backstage areas, stage systems and technical infrastructure have been completely overhauled, equipping the King’s to host the ever more complex demands of world-class touring productions and cementing Edinburgh’s status as a year-round home for live performance.
Care was taken throughout to protect the building’s Edwardian character. Original plasterwork, stained glass and carved stonework have all been lovingly restored, with any new additions designed to sit sensitively alongside the historic fabric.
Among the highlights of the restoration is John Byrne’s much-loved All the World’s a Stage dome mural on the ceiling. Specialist plasterers and Capital Theatres’ own artists worked 100 feet above the auditorium floor to stabilise and restore the artwork – ensuring that audiences can once again look up and enjoy it for years to come.
Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres, the charity that manages the King’s Theatre, said: “The King’s is now one of the UK’s most accessible heritage buildings, ready to welcome more people than ever before, creating new possibilities for audiences, artists and communities. The new level stage, enhanced technical facilities and improved backstage access strengthen its position as one of Scotland’s leading venues for touring productions, co-producing and commissioning, ensuring we are ready to bring the very best live performances to Edinburgh for generations to come.
“For 120 years the King’s has been a place where Edinburgh comes together to laugh, to cry, to celebrate and to be inspired. We’re opening the doors not just to a restored theatre, but to a building that truly lives up to its reputation of being the People’s Theatre. It is an absolute privilege to welcome audiences back and begin this exciting new chapter together.”
Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: “Places like the King’s matter because they bring people together, inspire creativity and become part of the stories we share. To be selected to preserve and enhance everything people love about this iconic venue for a new century of audiences is a great honour and recognises our expertise in heritage restoration and refurbishment. We wish Capital Theatres every success as they welcome audiences back to experience the magic of the King’s once again.”
David Cairns, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central East, said: “Every stage of this project required exceptional care, craftsmanship and collaboration. From undertaking specialist restoration training and restoring intricate historic features to introducing live progress capture technology and modern methods of construction, our teams worked tirelessly alongside Capital Theatres to ensure the building’s character was protected.
“In addition to transforming the King’s into a venue fit for the future, a lasting positive impact was generated through our commitment to social impact. The benefits of this project were felt across the local community by delivering in-kind initiatives, creating employment for 53 local people and supporting 79 apprentices.”
