Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre reopens after £40 million redevelopment

Edinburgh’s historic King’s Theatre has reopened to the public after a four‑year closure for a £40 million redevelopment project. The renovation added lifts, permanent wheelchair spaces, Changing Places toilets and step‑free access to both the stage and stalls, making the 120‑year‑old venue one of the most accessible heritage buildings in the UK.

The work preserved the theatre’s distinctive character, including stained‑glass doors, decorative plasterwork and the iconic John Byrne dome painting. Funding was provided by the Scottish Government (nearly £13 million) and a fundraising campaign supported by actors such as Brian Cox and Alan Cumming. First Minister John Swinney welcomed the reopening, noting its expected boost to Edinburgh’s cultural sector, tourism and local jobs. Capital Theatres, the charity that manages the venue, invited the public to tour the theatre before performances resume next Friday.