After a major refurbishment, this summer Edinburgh’s much-loved King’s Theatre will reopen its doors and raise the curtain once more.
The King’s Theatre officially reopens on 01 August 2026 following a major redevelopment project which has seen the venue transform into a fully modern and accessible theatre.
Since construction began in February 2023, the building has had dramatic structural improvements, preserving its beautiful historic features, upgrading technical and hospitality facilities and making it fully accessible for everyone.
A raised fly tower has been extended to accommodate larger, more ambitious productions, and the replacement of the old, raked stage with a new level stage will accommodate a wider range of performances.
Accessibility is at the heart of the redevelopment, with a step-free journey from street to seat and stage for the first time in the theatre’s history. Improvements include two front-of-house lifts serving all levels of the building, plus one back of house, increased wheelchair spaces, new end of row seats with transfer arms and the addition of some wider seats in the stalls, and accessible toilets on every floor and a Changing Places toilet facility open to all.
The King’s will also offer welcoming new public spaces, including a street-level café, a Creative Engagement Studio for workshops, community projects and events, and a range of heritage displays and artefacts bringing the venue’s rich history to life. Alongside the physical transformation, the King’s remarkable story is celebrated by The People’s Archive. This digital archive contains more than 3,000 items contributed by audiences, performers and staff to ensure the theatre’s rich history continues to inspire many generations to come.
Dress rehearsals
Prior to opening, The King’s is calling upon audiences to help put the refurbished theatre through its paces with a short series of test performances. Enjoy A Great Night Out (23 July), an uplifting one-off concert, hosted by panto favourites Clare Gray and Gail Watson, or Frozen Singalong (25 July) a singalong screening of the Disney classic. Or join Mhairi Black and Kevin Quantum (25 July) for an evening of comedy, magic and science.
Opening Weekend
The historic theatre returns with a special Opening Weekend on 01 and 02 August. Visitors will be able to explore all areas of the building, book behind-the-scenes tours that include stepping onto the new flat stage, and find out more about the theatre’s history and the redevelopment project. This is free to attend, but booking is required.
Upcoming shows
From musicals and family shows, to comedy and dance, whatever kind of show you’re looking for, the King’s Theatre has something for everyone. In the autumn, it’s all about Scottish tales. The thrilling new musical Wallace asks whether William Walace was a hero, a rebel, or simply a myth. It’s all about patter, pride and laughs at The Steamie, while Rollers Forever celebrates the music, memories and passionate fandom of the Bay City Rollers.
Award-winning musical Operation Mincemeat is a fast-paced, funny and unbelievable true story. Edinburgh Gang Show 2026 returns with a gang of local Brownies, Cubs, Guides, Scouts, Explorers and Rangers, and, just in time for the festive season, panto is back at the King’s with The Adventures of Pinocchio.
Looking ahead to 2027, the drama ramps up, with the likes of By Royal Appointment, which takes a look at the late Queen Elizabeth II through her wardrobe, and the technical brilliance of São Paulo Dance Company. For the young, and the young at heart, Pirates! is packed with dance, theatre and storytelling.
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