First look inside as King’s Theatre in Edinburgh reopens after £41m restoration

The new-look main auditorium at the refurbished King's Theatre in Edinburgh. (Image: Anneleen Lindsay)

A 120-YEAR-OLD theatre in Edinburgh has reopened after a £41 million refurbishment to create new public and backstage spaces.

Patrons are returning to the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh, which reopened on Saturday after four years of work.

The refurbishment has made the A-listed building more accessible, with new wheelchair spaces and lifts.

It has also doubled hospitality capacity with the creation of a new cafe.

Actors including Brian Cox and Alan Cumming had supported fundraising efforts to secure the future of the venue.

The King's Theatre in Edinburgh has hosted several 'dress rehearsal' events ahead of its official reopening this weekend. (Image: Anneleen Lindsay)

Ahead of the re-opening, the building’s owners projected a video onto its facade, celebrating the history of the site.

Fiona Gibson is chief executive of Capital Theatres, the charity that manages the King’s Theatre.

She said: “Today is a landmark moment for the King’s Theatre and for everyone who has supported its journey back to the heart of Edinburgh’s cultural life.

“We’ve carefully preserved everything people love about this extraordinary building while transforming it for the future.

“The King’s is now one of the UK’s most accessible Edwardian heritage buildings, ready to welcome more people than ever before, creating new possibilities for audiences, artists and communities.”

The refurbished mural designed by the late artist John Byrne for the domed ceiling of the King's Theatre in Edinburgh. (Image: Anneleen Lindsay)

She added: “For 120 years, the King’s has been a place where Edinburgh comes together to laugh, to cry, to celebrate and to be inspired.”

First Minister John Swinney said: “The King’s Theatre is an iconic landmark and a prized part of Edinburgh’s identity and heritage and I have such fond memories of coming to the theatre as a child.

“Its reopening will strengthen the city’s vibrant cultural sector, draw in tens of thousands of visitors and support jobs and businesses across Edinburgh and beyond.

“That’s why the Scottish Government has provided nearly £13 million to secure the building’s future.”

Ian Murray, who is the UK Government’s DCMS minister, said: “The reopening of the King’s Theatre is fantastic news for Edinburgh and for everyone who loves this iconic venue.

“This transformation, backed by UK Government investment, ensures that the King’s remains at the heart of the city’s cultural life while becoming a genuinely accessible space for all.

“I’m delighted funding has helped secure this historic theatre’s future for the next generation of audiences, artists and performers to enjoy.”