When you think of Edinburgh’s theatre scene, what undoubtedly comes to mind is the Festival Fringe, or the International Festival – but Edinburgh is no one trick pony. Stumble down the cobbled streets, and you will find yourself nestled between theatres big and small which uphold Edinburgh’s theatrical tradition all year round.
The burrows, bunkers and secluded studio spaces
The Bedlam Theatre
Rooted at the crossroads between university and city, this compact, well-purposed theatre space develops an exhilarating programme of theatre every year. The entire venue is student-run, managed by a group of theatre fanatics at the University of Edinburgh who have buried themselves in the Bedlam’s warm embrace. There is plenty that you can get involved in – why not try an improv workshop with the ‘Improverts’, attend an audition, or become a techie. The £6 memberships provide reduced tickets for shows – a thought-provoking night of both tears and laughter is guaranteed.
Banshee Labyrinth
This rabbit hole is a lair of wonder and terrors. It is a key venue participant in the Edinburgh Horror Festival – taking place from 23rd October to 31st October this year – but also holds theatre performances all year round. The Banshee is the perfect example of the repurposed theatre venues which Edinburgh holds in its underbelly. In ‘Edinburgh’s most haunted pub’ you can experience Edinburgh’s spooky tradition, while enjoying an authentic Scottish pub experience. Holding theatre that ranges from horrifying, unique, or traditional, look no further (or maybe look away) from The Banshee Labyrinth.
The Studio Theatre
The runt of Capital Theatre’s litter of performance spaces, The Studio Theatre – tucked away in Potterrow – delivers experimental work all year round. From dance to new writing, it is the place to find small touring productions. Being a wood-panelled state-of-the-art rehearsal space, it is also the place to get started with your own productions.
Summerhall’s Venues
Whilst Summerhall is decidedly one of the largest artistic components of Edinburgh’s culture scene, the theatre is more discreet throughout the year. Summerhall is an intricate collection of studio spaces and small performance venues, which offer new writing and theatre opportunities monthly. Scientifically named to pay homage to Summerhall’s previous use as the University of Edinburgh’s Veterinary School, TechCube is one of their key spaces – an igloo for entertainment day in and day out. The management, excited by supporting innovative work, offers residencies in their rooms.
The huge, crowd-hugging, classic auditoriums
The Festival Theatre
To get your dose of large-budget, high-impact, and globally acclaimed productions, look no further than the Festival Theatre. Recent winning productions have included War Horse, Mary Poppins, and To Kill A Mockingbird. Even if you end up sitting near the roof of this grand space packed to the rafters with eager theatre-goers, there is no missing a moment of action thanks to the auditorium’s unmissable sound system. The £10 ticket scheme for under 25 year olds makes it easy and affordable to enjoy high-quality, reliably good theatre performances.
The King’s Theatre
The wild card of this list – or mystery property, because currently this awe-inspiring venue is undergoing intensive redecoration and development. Characterised by John Byrne’s dome which lights up the auditorium, the building is set to reopen in Spring 2026. Its legacy must be preserved – the building was previously home to Edinburgh’s annual, renowned pantomime, and the Scottish Opera.
The Traverse Theatre
The Traverse is Edinburgh’s centre for new writing in both Scotland itself and regions beyond. The intimate, cosy space is one of Edinburgh’s finest. The theatre is one of the finest places to enjoy writing from talents old and young, and the perfect venue to feel like you are living the fringe all year round. Here, tickets are made accessible, with multiple productions offering £1 tickets. Grab one of the beautifully cushioned seats and experience some new wiring at The Traverse.
The Royal Lyceum Theatre
Named after Henry Irving’s London venue, The Lyceum does not let down in terms of delivery of spectacular drama. The programme has a diverse yet traditional offering, placing dramas in a similarly traditional auditorium space. The theatre, pioneering in its development (having the first iron safety curtain in the UK) was the site of Henry Irving’s performance of Much Ado About Nothing in 1883. The space now holds numerous community showcases happening during the summer under artistic director James Brining. For a slice of community theatre blended with some innovative works, this theatre is a treat.
Photo by Eve Robertson For The Student.