Edinburgh PlayhouseEdinburgh
Official tickets
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 ATG since 2010.
Housing large touring musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Les Miserables, the venue seats an impressive 3,059 people and is the largest working theatre in the UK. It is built over three levels; the Stalls, Circle and Balcony. The Stalls is the largest section, with 1,500 seats that offer excellent views. The Circle seats 700 and offers more restricted views due to stairwells. The Balcony is particularly high and far away from the stage. The Edinburgh Playhouse is a large, grand theatre, close to several bars and restaurants in the city.
View gallery
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.