Threat to future of King’s Theatre, Edinburgh

Theatres Trust reacts to news that increased construction costs are jeopardising the A listed theatre.

There has been widespread media coverage of the situation at King’s Theatre, where the costs for its redevelopment have increased by 20-30% more than originally budgeted. This has led to warnings from venue operator Capital Theatres that unless the funding shortfall is met, the theatre could close permanently.

Theatres Trust has been supporting Capital Theatres to develop plans for the much-needed improvements to the Grade A listed King's Theatre, Edinburgh, including improvement to the front-of-house space, improved access and essential upgrades to its plant and machinery.

Theatres Trust Director Jon Morgan responds:

“It is concerning that spiralling supply chain, labour and material costs impacting the construction industry are not only jeopardising the project, but putting under threat an important theatre that has been loved by audiences for more than a century.

“Sadly, the situation at the King’s is far from unique. Through research conducted on our behalf last year, we know that many of the UK’s theatres are in urgent need of upgrades to improve access and inclusion, meet modern audience expectations and as is increasingly critical, to improve environmental sustainability and decrease operating costs.

“Increased construction costs combined with a difficult fundraising environment and reserved diverted towards survival during lockdown, could see other theatre’s capital projects stall, threatening their future resilience and the revival of the sector post-Covid.”