The Grand Old Lady of Leven Street, The King’s Theatre Edinburgh saw her curtain fall and the doors closed in 2022 with construction commencing in February 2023 on the multi-million-pound renovation and restoration of one Edinburgh’s most beloved Theatres. A Theatre that’s been home to not only the cities smash hit pantomime but also home to the many local and amateur companies who have graced its stage over its 120-year legacy.
That transformation is now complete with the theatre now being fully accessible for the very first time and a capacity of 1125 seats the official opening night is scheduled for July 31st with performances beginning in August for the 2026 Edinburgh International Festival.
To prepare for the gala opening the team at Capital Theatres need to road test the building and all its new equipment and facilities hence a special preview weekend of productions will be running in the venue from Thursday 23rd to Saturday 25th July under the banner of “A King’s Rehearsal”.
Saturday 25th will see a special Sing a long edition of the Disney smash hit “Frozen” followed by an evening of Stand up Comedy and Magic with “Black Magic: Mhairi Black and Kevin Quantum”. However, who could the King’s turn too to be first on the brand-new stage? That’s right Edinburgh own theatre companies.
So, for the first time in history, On Thursday 23rd July the Bohemians Lyric Opera Company, Edinburgh Gang Show, Edinburgh Gilbert& Sullivan Society, Edinburgh Music Theatre, Showcase, Edinburgh Savoy Opera Company and Southern light will join forces for one night only to present “A Great Night Out”. Hosted by panto stars Clare Gray and Gail Watson the show celebrates the performers, companies and audiences who have made the King’s such an important part of Edinburgh’s theatre life and ensured that the King’s is so important to so many generations.
Devised and directed by legendary panto company manager Quintin Young with additional staging by Louise Williamson and Musical direction from Steven Wren a magical night of musical theatre is promised to herald the new dawn for the King’s.
Drawing from hundreds of performers from across the city and featuring a live orchestra a glorious night out is promised featuring a surprise or two. As well as providing a special show for the city and its people A great night out will help give the King’s a test run with a full audience. Various aspects of a working theatre will be tested. All proceeds will support the King’s Theatre redevelopment.
At long last, the brand-new velvet curtains of the King’s Edinburgh are ready to rise! And with a packed season already programmed including the return of home of its beloved pantomime and many of the local companies taking part in “A Great Night Out” also programmed in for there own shows it really is time to embrace the King’s once more.
The show is sold out but keep an eye out for returns as audience members are clamouring to be the first back through those historic doors! Welcome back to the King’s on what promises to be a Great Night Out for all!
A King’s Dress Rehearsal performance presents A Great Night Out! King’s Theatre Edinburgh, Thursday 23rd July 2026. For more information and return tickets go to: A Great Night Out! – Capital Theatres
ScotsGay Arts 