Edinburgh Playhouse Edinburgh
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About the Edinburgh Playhouse
Scotland’s Edinburgh Playhouse originally opened in 1929 as a cinema, operating successfully for forty years. Designed by John Fairweather, the venue is modelled on New York’s Roxy Theatre, after Fairweather was inspired by the building’s splendour. In 1973, Edinburgh Playhouse closed and was sold to a property developer. Threats of demolition saw the Playhouse Preservation Action Group campaign to keep it open. In 1980, the building relaunched as a theatre and has been owned by Ambassador Theatre Group since 2010.
Edinburgh Playhouse is an Historic Scotland Category A listed building, and said to be haunted by a ghost called Albert - variously speculated to be a stagehand or night watchman at the venue. These days it is used as a performance space for the city’s annual Fringe and International Festivals and youth theatre projects. Edinburgh Playhouse also welcomes large touring musicals from the West End and across the UK, such as The Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Les Misérables.
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Plan your visit
There are five bars and four kiosks at Edinburgh Playhouse across all levels, serving a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. At The Boards bar, patrons can reserve a table for their party by calling 0131 524 3372. The Ambassadors Lounge, where patrons receive bespoke service, can also be reserved when booking tickets.
Please note that Greenside Lane Bistro is 25 steps up from street level, and the Ambassador Lounge is 33 steps up from street level.