The current building incorporates the stage house of the original 1928 Empire Theatre, which survived the site's previous fires.
The theatre houses the largest stage in Scotland, measuring 14.5 meters in width.
The glass facade acts as a modern 'curtain,' revealing the historic brickwork of the older theatre structure behind it.
The building was designed to provide a high-tech counterpoint to the more traditional Victorian design of the nearby King's Theatre.
Its stage area was specifically engineered to accommodate the large-scale set requirements of international ballet companies like the Mariinsky.
The site was historically home to the Empire Palace Theatre, which was destroyed by fire in 1911 and claimed the life of the famous escapologist The Great Lafayette.
The Festival Theatre in Edinburgh is the city's primary venue for large-scale ballet, opera, and touring musical productions. Its landmark glass facade, designed by Law and Dunbar-Nasmith, was integrated into the historic 1928 Empire Theatre shell in 1994. The auditorium is one of the largest in Scotland, featuring a wide stage that accommodates major international touring companies. It operates under the Capital Theatres charity, which also manages the King's Theatre and The Studio. The venue serves as a cornerstone of the Edinburgh International Festival every August. The current building maintains the original 1920s stage house and incorporates modern structural additions to provide high-capacity seating. It is situated on the site of the former Empire Palace Theatre, which burned down in 1911. The theatre's layout prioritizes clear sightlines for audiences ranging from orchestra stalls to upper gallery levels.
The internal glass atrium at twilight, when the interior lights illuminate the contrast between the modern glass and the historic stage house brickwork.
Visit the cafe located within the glass atrium for views of the bustling Nicolson Street before your show.
Check the theatre's website for 'pre-show' talks which frequently feature visiting directors or cast members.
Use the upper circle seating for the best balance between acoustic quality and overall stage perspective.
Attempting to find parking directly on Nicolson Street, as the area is strictly controlled and lacks public parking facilities.
Smart casual; avoid overly casual sportswear, though formal attire is not mandatory for most evening performances.
