The Edinburgh Playhouse offers the opportunity to see plays, musicals and other shows in one of the largest historic performing arts venues in the entire United Kingdom. The theater opened in 1929 and was modeled after a famed movie house of the day. Over the years, it has played hosts to artists, performers and shows of just about every variety, from musicals to Shakespeare, live comedy shows and concerts.
Today, it not only serves as a premier showcase for some of the most important acts and performances in Great Britain, but it also caters to the young, up-and-coming artists in the area. It offers programs, workshops, acting lessons, musicals and full performances featuring kids ages 10 to 21 who get the opportunity to perform on a world-famous stage. Every year, it hosts the Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Edinburgh Playhouse - one of the highlights of 10 Best Theaters in Edinburgh (Read all about Edinburgh here)
photo by Michael Coghlan (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
Highlights and features of the Edinburgh Playhouse
The Edinburgh Playhouse was modeled after the famed Roxy Movie theater in New York and was at the time the largest movie theater building in Scotland. It survives today in its original form but is now focused on live performances. Interestingly, the theater appears bigger on the inside because it descends below street level within. Its stage measures roughly 13.7 meters deep by 25.9 meters wide.
It's also rumored to be haunted by a ghost known as Albert, who wears a gray coat and is said to walk the 6th level of the theater accompanied by a blast of cold air. Though little is known about him, he is believed to be the ghost of either a night watchman who killed himself or a stagehand who met an untimely end during production.
photo by Stephen D. Strowes (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
History of the Edinburgh Playhouse
When it opened in 1929, the Edinburgh Playhouse was the largest movie theater building in Scotland, featuring 1,500 seats in the stalls or general admission area, 680 seats in the Circle and 860 seats in the balcony. It was designed primarily as a movie house, though it has always hosted a stage for live entertainment.
By the 1970s, movie theater was experiencing a decline in popularity in the UK, and the building was closed down. In 1974, the building was slated for demolition. This set off a grassroots campaign to save it, and a petition garnered 15,000 signatures. As a result, the venue became a historically listed building, which allowed it to be saved. It reopened as a prime theatrical venue. Today, it hosts many live shows including neoclassics like ‘The Commitments’, ‘Dreamgirls’, classic Shakespearian plays and musical acts.
photo by Dancewear Central (CC BY 2.0) modified
Good to know about the Edinburgh Playhouse
The Edinburgh Playhouse is concerned with the safety and health of all of its patrons and is in complete compliance with all legislation, requirements and recommendations from the government to that end. It's always a good idea to call in advance for showtimes and requirements. The venue does not have a coat check, so it's recommended to travel light. Alcohol may not be brought into the venue, though sodas and water bottles are permitted.
The theater is designed for accessibility with wheelchair spaces available and level access to the theater and the theater bars. A wheelchair-accessible toilet can be found inside the Circle Bar. Call the venue for information regarding specific accommodations you may require. In addition, certain performances offer sign language interpretation, captions and descriptive audio. Touch tours are available prior to descriptive audio performances.
photo by Dancewear Central (CC BY 2.0) modified
Edinburgh Playhouse
Location: 18-22 Greenside Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3AA, UK
Phone: +44 (0)3330 096690
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