Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre lands extra £2.5m towards redevelopment
The redevelopment of Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre has received an extra £2.5m from the Scottish government that “closes the funding gap for the main construction works".
The project, which was originally estimated to cost £25m and be completed by 2023, has been hampered by a series of setbacks that have pushed the final cost over £40m.
In November, operating charity Capital Theatres announced reopening plans scheduled for this summer, but chief executive Fiona Gibson revealed that the project still needed to raise £2.5m.
That hole has now been plugged by the Scottish government, with £1.25m included in the 2025/26 Budget and £1.25 million included in the 2026/27 Budget, which was announced this week.
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Gibson said: “This funding from the Scottish government comes at a hugely significant moment for the King’s Theatre and for everyone who has worked so hard to bring this project to life.”
She added: “We are incredibly grateful for their support and for the backing of the many people who have believed in this project, contributed and championed it every step of the way.”
Gibson continued: “The King’s holds a special place in the hearts of Edinburgh audiences and being able to bring it back to life feels truly special.”
The redevelopment of the King’s Theatre has involved extending the theatre’s flytower, replacing its stage, installing three new lifts, introducing a cafe and studio, and improving accessibility.
The venue will reopen in July ahead of the Edinburgh International Festival in August, before it hosts touring productions of the musicals Operation Mincemeat, Chariots of Fire, Rollers Forever and Wallace, and the plays Crown of Blood and The Steamie.
A statement from Capital Theatres said fundraising would continue “to support the finishing touches of the project, ensuring the interior of the historic Edwardian venue is restored to its full splendour”.
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