Edinburgh is a city known in its summer months as the city of the Fringe festival. However, there are theatre productions in Edinburgh throughout the year. Here is an Edinburgh Theatre guide, for everyone, whether you want to see a jukebox musical or go and see a show on a budget:
Edinburgh Playhouse
Located on Leith Walk, Edinburgh Playhouse is the UK’s largest seated theatre with over 3000 seats across 3 levels. It hosts touring musical productions and comedy shows. Some of the upcoming well-known shows include the musical Annie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Six. Back-row of the stalls are generally around £35 per person, seats closer to the stage can cost up to £100. Some shows include student discounts.
Festival Theatre
Festival Theatre hosts a range of less known music, dance, drama and musicals. It is known for hosting a Panto throughout January. The seats further back cost around £30 and up to £80 in the front. Some shows include student discounts. Upcoming shows are Beautiful Evil Things, The Story of Soul and Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story.
Bedlam Theatre
Bedlam Theatre is the oldest student-run theatre in the UK. Previously a neo-gothic church, the theatre has a 90-seat audience. There is a different play on each week, with a cost of £3 -£9 based on the production. Some of the recurring shows include The Improverts, an improv group performing every Friday 10:30pm – 11:30pm. Since Bedlam is a student theatre, it is open to welcoming new members that can be part of its productions.
Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh
Better known as the Lyceum, the theatre produces classical and contemporary work. Upcoming shows include You Bury Me and Anna Karenina. It also hosts summer acting courses for children and teenagers. Student tickets cost £5-£10 based on the production.
Traverse Theatre
Located next to the Usher Hall, the Traverse Theatre produces adaptations and new plays. Tickets cost between £5 – £15. They also run workshops and courses for young writers aged 18-25.
Other theatres of note in Edinburgh include The Churchill Theatre, the King’s Theatre, Usher Hall, Pleasance Theatre and Assembly Roxy, which host various productions during the year.
Photo courtesy of Emily Moffett