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Edinburgh Playhouse Edinburgh

Edinburgh Playhouse 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 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 for major events such as 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The box office is open 90 minutes before performances begin for ticket collection.
Public spaces at the venue open between 90 minutes and two hours before a performance begins, with theatregoers able to enjoy pre-show drinks and food during this time.
Greenside Lane Bistro is open up to two hours before the first performance of the day, offering set menus including meat-free options. Patrons can book a table by emailing GreensideLaneBistro@theambassadors.com.

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.
There is no cloakroom at Edinburgh Playhouse, so patrons are advised to bring only small bags where possible. The closest left luggage storage facility is at Waverley Station.
Pomegranate is a popular and well-reviewed Middle Eastern restaurant just a couple of minutes' walk from the theatre. It serves a range of good value mezze and main dishes, including meat-free options. Italian restaurant Giuliano's is also nearby, and offers a pre-theatre menu in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Just five minutes' walk from the theatre, the 5-star Balmoral Hotel offers luxury rooms and Michelin-starred food in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. For smaller budgets, Motel One Edinburgh Princes is a clean, comfortable mid-range hotel in a central location.
Customers can contact the box office team for booking queries on 0333 009 6690.

Past Shows At Edinburgh Playhouse

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