King's Theatre in Edinburgh reopens in time for Fringe following multi-million pound redevelopment

Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre has reopened to the public following a multi-million pound redevelopment project.

The 120-year-old building closed for four years for the most significant work in its history.

The much-loved cultural landmark has undergone extensive modernisation work and is now one of the most accessible heritage buildings in the UK.

Lifts, permanent wheelchair spaces inside the theatre and Changing Places toilets have all been installed, while step-free access to both the stage and stalls has been implemented for the first time.

Expert craftspeople carefully conserved the theatre’s distinctive character, from stained-glass panels in the doors and decorative plasterwork to the iconic John Byrne dome painting.

Actors including Brian Cox and Alan Cumming had supported fundraising efforts, while the Scottish Government provided nearly £13m to help secure the building’s future.

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

First Minister John Swinney welcomed the reopening of the King’s, adding he had “fond memories of coming to the theatre as a child”.

He said: “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.”

Fiona Gibson, chief executive of Capital Theatres, the charity that manages the King’s Theatre, said: “For 120 years the King’s has been a place where Edinburgh comes together to laugh, to cry, to celebrate and to be inspired.

“Today 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.”

Members of the public can tour the theatre this weekend before performances begin next Friday.