Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre has reopened following its redevelopment, making it one of the UK’s most accessible listed buildings.
The theatre now has lifts and accessible toilets available on each public floor, along with a new Changing Places toilet. Eight wheelchair spaces have been added in the stalls and two in the dress circle. In addition, 40 seats in the stalls have hinged armrests to allow easy transfers for wheelchair users, and 12 seats have been widened to improve accessibility and comfort.
A platform lift, accessible dressing room and accessible toilet has also been added backstage.
The theatre’s previous raked stage has been replaced with a level one, and the fly tower has been extended by 4.5 metres. There has also been technical infrastructure upgrades, making the King’s Theatre better equipped for touring productions and other performance genres like circus and dance.
A new Creative Engagement Studio will create a designated space for educational workshops and creative activities, while exhibition spaces and a redesigned café invites people into the theatre even if they aren’t attending a performance.
First opened in 1906, the King’s Theatre is the only surviving working theatre designed by architects Swanston and Davidson. Features such as the theatre’s stained glass windows in the doors, and John Byrne’s dome painting have been conserved.
To kick off its opening season, the King’s Theatre will host some events as part of the Edinburgh International Festival. Later in the year, their shows include the new Scottish musical Wallace, Tony Roper’s The Steamie and West End hit Operation Mincemeat, along with the King’s famous pantomime over the festive season.
Fiona King, chief executive of Capital Theatres said: “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 new level stage, enhanced technical facilities and improved backstage access strengthen its position as one of Scotland’s leading venues for touring productions, co-producing and commissioning, ensuring we are ready to bring the very best live performances to Edinburgh for generations to come.
“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.”
Words by Ellen Leslie