MAIN contractor Robertson Construction Central East has completed the transformation of the A-listed King’s Theatre in Edinburgh.
Following a significant restoration and refurbishment programme, the 120-year-old theatre has been reimagined for modern audiences while preserving the character and heritage that has made it a cornerstone of cultural life for generations in the Scottish capital.
The project, which involved over 50 Robertson supply chain partners, has resulted in upgrades across the 1,125-capacity venue. These include a fly tower extended by 4.5 metres to accommodate larger and more ambitious touring productions, hospitality capacity doubled to over 400 people, and the replacement of the former raked stage with a new level solution better suited to modern performances.
Audiences will experience a transformed front-of-house environment, featuring new foyers, bars and learning spaces, improved circulation throughout the building, new toilets, and a street-level café. New feature windows are designed to increase visibility across all four floors, while flooding the interiors with natural light.
Accessibility has also been enhanced. Lifts now serve every public floor, while wheelchair spaces have increased across the auditorium and accessible toilets are available on every level alongside a new Changing Places toilet.
Backstage facilities, stage systems, and technical infrastructure have also been renewed.
Throughout the restoration, Robertson explained that great care was taken to protect and celebrate the building’s Edwardian heritage. Original plasterwork, stained glass, and carved stone details have been restored, while contemporary additions have been designed to complement the historic fabric.
John Byrne’s iconic All the World’s a Stage dome mural has also been restored. Working 100 feet above the auditorium floor, specialist plasterers and Capital Theatres artists stabilised and restored the artwork.
Fiona Gibson, chief executive of Capital Theatres, the charity that manages the King’s Theatre, said, “The King’s is now one of the UK’s most accessible heritage buildings, ready to welcome more people than ever before, creating new possibilities for audiences, artists and communities. The new level stage, enhanced technical facilities and improved backstage access strengthen its position as one of Scotland’s leading venues for touring productions, co-producing and commissioning, ensuring we are ready to bring the very best live performances to Edinburgh for generations to come.
“For 120 years the King’s has been a place where Edinburgh comes together to laugh, to cry, to celebrate and to be inspired. We’re opening the doors not just to a restored theatre, but to a building that truly lives up to its reputation of being the People’s Theatre. It is an absolute privilege to welcome audiences back and begin this exciting new chapter together.”
Elliot Robertson, CEO, Robertson Group, added, “Places like the King’s matter because they bring people together, inspire creativity and become part of the stories we share. To be selected to preserve and enhance everything people love about this iconic venue for a new century of audiences is a great honour and recognises our expertise in heritage restoration and refurbishment. We wish Capital Theatres every success as they welcome audiences back to experience the magic of the King’s once again.”
David Cairns, regional MD, Robertson Construction Central East, said, “Every stage of this project required exceptional care, craftsmanship and collaboration. From undertaking specialist restoration training and restoring intricate historic features to introducing live progress capture technology and modern methods of construction, our teams worked tirelessly alongside Capital Theatres to ensure the building’s character was protected.
“In addition to transforming the King’s into a venue fit for the future, a lasting positive impact was generated through our commitment to social impact. The benefits of this project were felt across the local community by delivering in-kind initiatives, creating employment for 53 local people and supporting 79 apprentices.”
