Theatre is something which seems to have multiple barriers of entry for young people. Professional theatre may seem like it is reserved for those who have got an income of over £50,000 a year — however, theatre in many places across the city of Edinburgh is actually affordable. Preview nights, seats towards the back, and restricted views are alternatives if theatre’s own schemes run dry in ticket streams.
Capital Theatres is a charitable body that operates across the city over three venues. Shows such as Operation Mincemeat and operas like La Bohéme flood their far-reaching stages. Their three venues include the Festival Theatre, Studio Theatre, and the recently re-opened King’s Theatre. Capital Theatres often cater for large touring productions and the infamous Edinburgh pantomime. Tickets are subsidised for young people aged 16-25 for £10 on the day of the performance, if you sign up to their scheme.
The Traverse Theatre offers performances for emerging artists, alongside development sessions for writers’ new works. With two cosy spaces, which always bring a bite of refreshing writing to Edinburgh’s stages, catch work for £1 under their scheme. These are the cheapest seats you’ll find in Edinburgh’s diverse programme of work.
The Royal Lyceum Theatre can be found nestled between Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town. Often, work from this grand venue will transfer to locations like London and beyond. They run an affordable scheme for student tickets, which is game-changing if you want to find yourself sat in the midst of miracle-working actors.
The Edinburgh Playhouse — the home to large touring musicals and big-budget favourites — offers a portion of the West End in Edinburgh. In Scotland’s biggest theatre, find yourself spectating some of the UK’s comedy favourites, or shows like Legally Blonde that attract acclaim across the UK. You can catch student deals with their promotional codes.
Summerhall and Assembly Roxy equally offer some great deals, with tickets for less than £10 for Summerhall’s comedy nights or upcoming politically charged work, and comedy at Roxy for under £20. These two smaller venues do so much more than their Fringe fame may normally suggest.
Edinburgh is a city full of theatrical spaces, and if students find the time, there is a breadth of opportunities which make tickets a little more cost-effective.
Illustration by Sally Mulvihill (@sallypaintsherwallslowly) for The Student.
