Backstage Tour: Festival Theatre

Capital Theatres presents world-class shows to entertain and inspire audiences of all ages. The three venues include two of Scotland’s largest, oldest, and most respected theatres: Festival Theatre (1,915 seats), King’s Theatre (1,122 seats, currently closed for a major redevelopment) and The Studio (155 seats). Together they host over 700 performances each year with a broad and inclusive programme featuring the very best in drama, dance, musical theatre, family shows, live music, comedy, and pantomime.

Capital Theatres is a receiving house which works with producers across the UK to programme their work. The organisation also commissions and co-produces a select number of productions of its own each year. Much of the programme is exclusive in Scotland, providing the only opportunity for audiences to see the biggest shows touring north of the border, the best in international contemporary dance and the latest productions from leading local and national companies. Capital Theatres is also the home of Edinburgh’s largest community companies, providing them with a platform each year to share their work.

As Scotland’s largest theatre charity, Capital Theatres supports access to the arts for everyone and has an extensive Creative Engagement programme of talks, workshops and events to introduce and develop participation and interest in the heritage of its buildings and all areas of live performance. Capital Theatres is also evolving an artist development programme, Open@TheStudio, and has won the UK Theatre 2023 Award for Excellence in Inclusivity for its work with people living with dementia.