Although the original building wasn't designed for it, the Festival Theatre is now the largest stage in Scotland and is the de facto home for opera, ballet and large scale touring musical productions. Seating just a shade under 2,000 people, it also serves as the main showcase venue during the Edinburgh Festival (as you might expect from the name). This location has held a theatre since 1830, and is Edinburgh's oldest theatre site. Resurrected from the old Empire Palace theatre, the restoration involved preservation of the auditorium and not much else. The front of house was replaced by a light, airy glass-fronted façade which, while not exactly sympathetic to the surrounding buildings, is at least an exciting addition to the area. Inside there are spacious foyers, bars, cloakrooms and a cafe area, with a central staircase providing access to all levels. There are plenty of toilets and some function rooms that you can hire for conferences or events.The contrast between this modern structure and the traditional auditorium is quite startling. The backstage area was completely rebuilt from scratch, and the actual stage is enormous - the largest in Scotland - with a side stage and rear scene dock of similar size, enabling it to stage some of the larger European operas that come to the Edinburgh Festival. In 2013 they added a Studio theatre in a new building on Potterrow, providing extra rehearsal space or a smaller performance venue for dance and small companies - a welcome addition and much needed in Edinburgh. Now, a little bit of history for you: The Moss Empires were a chain of theatres around the country, known for their large-capacity wide auditoriums, and many of them still exist, such as the Liverpool and Hackney Empires, and of course there was the infamous (and now sadly vanished) Glasgow Empire. In style they are all quite similar and can seem quite plain architecturally, favouring function over form, compared with some of the smaller more intimate theatres. This particular theatre was originally designed by the renowned (and prolific) theatre architect Frank Matcham; but you would be hard-pressed to recognise any of the characteristic Matcham features, as the building burned to the ground in a disastrous fire in 1911 during a performance by the famous illusionist, The Great Lafayette. Although the safety curtain was lowered, a piece of set prevented it from coming in fully, causing a draught which fanned the fire into an inferno killing Lafayette, ten members of his company, the lion involved in the illusion he was performing, his horse and some stage crew who were unable to escape the stage as Lafayette had ordered all the doors to the stage locked to prevent unwanted interlopers discovering his secrets. His body was soon found in the wreckage and sent to Glasgow for cremation. Two days later however, workers clearing the debris found an identical body, identified as Lafayette by the fancy rings he wore - the original body found was his secret body double, his means of performing many of his illusions. Or was it? Some say that the first body was the correct one, and that his shade haunts the theatre to this day because of the mix-up... His funeral procession through the streets of Edinburgh attracted an estimated crowd of 250,000 people, and he was laid to rest in Piershill cemetery. Because of this tragic accident, legislation was passed requiring all theatres to drop and/or lift the safety curtain at each performance in sight of the audience, just to prove that it is functioning correctly. So the next time you are at the theatre and see the safety curtain being lowered, spare a thought for The Great Lafayette, a real-life tragedy more dramatic than any play. read more

Festival Theatre - The new studio theatre. - Performing Arts Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

A great program of both mainstream theatre and more unusual performances such as circus, ballet and opera. I'm aiming to see at least one new piece of theatre each month this year so I've been here quite a bit because the programme is so good. The building itself is impressive with a glass front so you can people watch from all levels, my favourite is the first floor bar area. Being a relatively modern building there are a good number of ladies toilets so you don't end up spending the whole interval in the queue and still have time to get ice cream. The seats in the theatre are not that comfortable but are OK for most length performances. If you are planning on going to more than two or three shows a year it's worth while becoming a 'friend' of the festival and kings theatre for £39. You get 2 for 1 tickets on most opening nights plus 20% off other performances and discounts in various nearby restaurants. Plus you can book in advance so with some careful planning you can book 18 months of theatre with one year's membership. read more

Festival Theatre - Cirque Beserke at the Festival Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

My lovely pal got me tickets for cinderella last weekend and great seat on the middle balcony to watch the ballet. I can see how lucky we were where we were seated and would definitely recommend top or middle balcony for the view. Staff were good at directing you to your seats, and I like how spacious the bar area was which made the intervals enjoyable! Comfier seats would make it a 5 stars read more

Festival Theatre - Cinderella... - Performing Arts Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I haven't been here for ages, I used to live in Edinburgh when I was a student and one of my first gigs was here and it was to see the cranberries.. I've also been to a couple of theatre things and a comedy gig which was part of the fringe. But they are all so long ago that I can't remember so I will review when I was last there which was last night to see FFS a collaboration of the two bands Franz Ferdinand and sparks. My friend had managed to get front row seats so I was super excited. The outside of the venue is all glass and looks so modern amongst all the old Edinburgh buildings, it definitely stands out. We arrived and went for a drink in the bar before heading in to find out seats. Our seats were great and we had a good view (you can tell you are close when you can see a loose hair on the lead singers head that you want to remove for them) the band was amazing and the atmosphere was great, the only downside was being a seated gig and the whole should we or shouldn't we stand up.. Eventually we got up and danced for the rest of the gig. The theatre is a beautiful building and it was good to experience a band in that environment.. read more

Festival Theatre - FFS - Performing Arts Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Oh, THIS is how you do it. This. Right here. Classic Nouveau design in the auditorium meets chic ultra-modern comfort in the foyer. The huge glass-fronted foyer goes up three storeys, and never feels crowded even in the pre-show buzz. I can't believe I haven't reviewed the Festival Theatre before given how many times I've come here and loved it. They do everything right. Unlike so many theatres of its size, the Festival Theatre is spacious and light in the foyer, and even the toilets don't feel as cramped as most theatres. The interval snack prices are no more wince-worthy than other places (we're talking £3 for a tub of ice cream - but yes, still I stick to my five-star guns, because that's not unusual). Even with the Playhouse in town, it holds its own with a ferocious mix of programming that spans the popular and esoteric alike, from Warhorse to the Rambert Dance Company. The shows tend to have short runs, too, meaning you get some really excitingly inventive shows with sets that are designed to tour more easily than their extended-residency counterparts. As the home venue of the Edinburgh International Festival, it's a theatre that prides itself on progressive and intellectual art while still catering to audiences of a sufficient size to populate its impressive and rich auditorium. (Standing ovations are somewhat vertigo-inducing up in the Gods, mind you - it's pretty steeply raked and you might feel safer just clinging to the arms of your chair..!) It even has its own tragic history and a mysterious haunting story. What more could you possibly want from a house of art and superstition? read more

Festival Theatre - Foyer - Performing Arts Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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This is a beautiful theatre with a gorgeous glass front which is great for watching the world go buy while having a coffee. I have fond memories of coming to this theatre to see the ballet since I was very young. I rather distinctly remember on my 9th birthday vomiting on the stairs during a performance of Cinderella. Ahh memories. But this theatre really is lovely. Its the sort of theatre that you get a little dressed up to go to, like people used to do back in the day. I was lucky enough to see a stunning performance of the Nutcracker here in January, which obviously is mostly attributed to Scottish Ballet but the theatre played a huge role also. Everything from the sound to the lighting was fantastic and it really was a magical evening. There is a number of bars for you to have a quick tipple during the interval, but you have to be quick out your seat because it gets very busy fast. Tickets can be expensive, but it really attracts some of the better quality shows so it is worth it and it really makes for a nice evening out. read more

Festival Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I recently went to see an adaptation of One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest acted out via breakdancing here, and couldn't rate the show highly enough. In fact, the only reason I'm giving this as many as 2 stars is because of the big-name acts that this place attracts. The venue however, was a different story. I'm definitely on the tall side as far as girls go, and to say I struggled with the lack of leg-room would be an understatement - it's hard to relax and enjoy the performance you've paid so much for when you'd have been more comfortable on a budget airline flight. I really pity tall blokes who have to endure sitting in this auditorium for the duration of a show. Not surprisingly, by the time the interval came I was in need of a drink, but this turned out to be a really bad decision. Anyone who has ever wondered how it's possible to screw up a glass of white wine should order one at the bar in the Festival Theatre: warm, over-priced and more importantly cloudy...?! When I asked for a replacement I was told that there was nothing wrong with it, and if I wanted to I could buy another one and hope that it would be different. Funnily enough I didn't. read more

Festival Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Wow, they do like to host the wonderful Scottish Ballet here and I'm so delighted they do so! I love this theatre but not so much the seats ... They do your bum in. Otherwise staff are helpful, toilets are plentiful but be warned the queues appear outta nowhere if you are not quick enough! There's a bar where you can get a wee tipple and that tipple comes in a plastic cup to take back in to the performance area. It's a classic theatre experience, you really shouldn't miss it out! read more

I often walked by the modern glass exterior of the Festival Theatre and wondered what the interior would be like. How much of the original Victorian grandeur remained inside? My personal interest is heightened by the fact that David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust visited here back in 1973 when it was the Empire Theatre. The opportunity arose for me to have a visit with some other Yelpers to see Robin Cousins - Ice show... I'll review that bit later. First.. the theatre itself. The modern exterior/entrance is very sympathetically done and blends (well, contrasts but pleasantly) with the surrounding buildings and the older parts of the theatre. Once inside and into the older part of the building you're greeted by the Victorian splendour you'd expect of what was once called the empire Theatre. Red carpets, fancy ornate gold decorations in abundance. It's great these lovely old buildings survive and still get used for the purpose they were designed. I was a bit puzzled by how an ice dance show would fit in the space. The stage isn't huge and seemed quite small once the whole cast of skaters were swirling about inches from each other at alarming speeds. The show itself was a mix of balletic and modern dance.. on ice! With the athleticism, strength and stamina of the performers leaving you open mouthed on many occasions. Some cute/unexpected musical motifs as well as some quite cheesy ones. A few bits of humour, some stunning tricks and excellent lighting effects kept everyone entertained. It's not something I'd ever seen before, I don't even watch the dancing on ice TV shows so I wasn't expecting to be blown away but I was intrigued. The show is designed to appeal to people who really like that whole genre but it's also rather spectacular and even for a non fan like me did leave me going "blimey!" several times. If you like Ice dance shows, you'll love it. If you like grand old theatres you'll love the Festival Theatre. read more

I've just seen the most incredible, awe-inspiring cinematography, the Banff Mountain Film Festival which was shown today and this evening. Even though I went to the event solo, having not yet found my kindred spirit!.. There was a very real sense of togetherness in the theatre tonight which was a full house. I met some lovely like minded folk and I'll be sure to return for the Ocean Film Tour in September. Thank you very much! read more

A glass fronted behemoth that is surprisingly not as modern as it first appears, The Festival Theatre is one of the city's largest, and showcases all manner of performances from mainstream theatre to comedy and some more obscure stuff. Thankfully it never descends into the thespian oddness that often sees luvvies up on stage pretending to be a cloud or something like that. And you can even nip just a few doors down to City Restaurant afterwards for a life-shortening haggis supper. If that's not a good evening out, then I don't know what is. read more

I am a massive theatre fan and would always encourage folks to go, this review is from the point that I would want the theatre to pull its socks up a little to offer the best it can and have the house full to capacity every night. I went to see the snowman with my family and niece and nephew, the show was a delight and the flying sequences magical. The show aside I was very fidgety by the seats not being comfortable and also thread bare and frame work poking through. The kings theatre have recently tastefully redone their seats with a wider, more roomy seat with sticks to the original design but modern, I think the festival theatre would be 100 times better if it looked at a similar option. I am a realist and I know that costs money, but long term you want people to remember how good a show was, not how uncomfy the seats were! The theatre itself is great and an asset to Edinburgh. read more

The Festival Theatre is a striking piece of design, with its startling, in a good way, glass exterior, and its prominent position on the always busy Clerk Street. Anywhere that lets in loads of light, and therefore brightness, is always a pretty pleasant place to be, and seeing a show here, in very modern surroundings, is a nice change from the traditional theatre experience. Not that I'm knocking more traditional venues like the Playhouse, I like them too. I like all theatres, any shape and size, they're all welcome in my life...well unless all the shows they have to offer are rubbish, then they're not so welcome. Anyway, the Festival Theatre attracts some great productions, whether it's music, dance, comedy, ballet, opera or musicals that do it for you, The theatre has the largest performing area in Scotland, and is the main hub for Scottish ballet and opera. read more

As mentioned by other reviewers already, please fix the seats! They are really not comfortable enough, and do not fit in with the quality of everything else at this wonderful theatre. The quality of performances is really top class. I've seen everything from plays, to ballet, to opera, and it's really an excellent place to see any of these things. There is a nice range of seats and prices, but the view is acceptable from everywhere I've tried, including way up in the upper circle. Outside the auditorium itself is a really nice bar and social area, stretched over a few floors. There are few nicer places to hang out with friends and discuss the performance over a drink. There is also a café/restaurant downstairs, though I haven't tried the food yet. Staff are friendly and helpful. I will definitely be back. read more

Very nice, well-staffed theater. Went to see Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake which was choreographed absolutely beautifully with good theater production quality. read more

From the outside, this place looks really modern and welcoming. But it's somewhat aged on the inside! I was so surprised when I came in - the huge glass front always made it look so cool. Glass has a tendency of doing that! Don't get me wrong, it's not bad inside the theatre - far from it - but I suppose I was expecting leather recliners and cupholders. It's not a cinema, Emily. They always attract great plays and shows too. I came to see Peter Pan here once and it was brilliant! They do have a niche market sometimes though, things like Stomp and Bach concerto's are common. If you're into that then great! But I'm more of a tinkerbell kinda gal read more

Oh, swoon. Although the stage is not as large as the outside of the building would suggest, the inside is just simply a fairytale. I went here a couple of weeks ago on a date and I must say that I was duly impressed. For such purposes, boys beware: if the girl likes theatre, dance, or orchestra, this is your venue. The inside is done in a very remodelled 18th century Renaissance style, something that works surprisingly well, even despite the obvious breach between the modernity of the outside and the beautiful inside. The one thing that really made my night special is that everyone seemed to dress up for the ballet itself. Something I can really appreciate. It turns an evening into an event and it was just very lovely and atmospheric. I'll be coming back again and again, specifically for the ballet, as that is one of my favourites. Though, long-legged creatures beware, it can be a bit uncomfortable if you're wearing high heels and have long legs as the chairs are a wee bit tiny. But then again, if you've read any of my other reviews, you'll know that I've got issues with chairs! read more

This is a nice theater, but the design doesn't quite fit in the surroundings. In the midst of ancient architecture and shop facades we have this stunning glass fronted, massively tall theater. However, Edinburgh has become used to the sight over the years! My main issue with the theater is the seating. The seats are uncomfortable and there's very little leg room (unless you book a specific row). The theater doesn't have the old world charm of the Playhouse or the aging splendour of the Kings, but it doesn't try to ape either. It's a modern building and doesn't claim otherwise. The stage is large and adequate for most perfomances. The theater also has 'sing-a-long' nights with films such as The Rocky Horror Show and The Sound of Music. I've attended the first and am attending the latter this month! YAY! I've seen many amazing productions in the Festival Theater (like Blood Brothers and Miss Saigon - both fantastic) and will return to see many more. read more

One of the unfortunately few theatres in Edinburgh. The range shows it puts on are mostly disappointing. If you're into musicals, ballet and opera - then you'll be pleased, I think. There is very little quality theatre on here though. I went to see La Traviata last night and it was excellent. I bought two (very expensive) drinks at the interval just as the bell went, I went to go into the auditorium only to be told that there were no drinks allowed there. There were no signs around and the bar staff didn't tell me till after I'd bought the drinks. Luckily I got a refund. Other than that, its good if you like cheesy productions like Cinderella, and for the odd one good production they have on but don't expect any regular decent theatre. read more

Quite a few people will complain that the architecture of this doesn't fit the suurounding buildings however I really like the contrast. As you enter it is light, spacious, clean and airy. The carpet is a tad dated now but that's me just being picky. Don't be fooled by the contemporary interiors however, this is still home to a lavish traditional theatre with the stalls, circle and upper circle. Think red velvet seats, the side boxes and the palacial decor. I've seen a couple of shows here and even the cheap seats up in the heavens offer a good view. read more

The Festival Theatre is a lovely building. There is often a wide variety of shows on there, including big name productions. The drinks and refreshments are expensive, but then they always are in those places! The upper seating area is VERY steep and not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights (like me). read more

I like it, there is something of a contemporary spirit about it and something cross way between theatre house and opera house. Sometimes it leaves the feeling of a glass menagerie but I believe it is only me after an insomniac night. I have seen a couple of shows there, including a prize winning musical 'Sunshine on Leith',when my companions asked me almost every five minutes about the lines of the speaking actors. I liked it although part of it was hanging in the air when we were leaving the theatre. Its best function it served a year ago, in my opinion, when a shocking event took place - the theatre was turned into a big cinema hall and 'Mamma mia' was screened - I have never seen best cheering audience as though they were watching a live performance - a real cinema and theatre blending. read more

MATTHEW BOURNE'S THE CAR MAN Festival Theatre Tue 9 to Sat 13 June 2015 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4PnQADUN6M Fifteen years after The Car Man first premiered at the Theatre Royal Plymouth, it returns for another UK tour. It is the 56th performance of the Matthew Bourne's internationally famed contemporary whirl-wind production at Edinburgh Festival Theatre. Inspired loosely by Bizet's well-known opera, Carmen. Matthew Bourne explains, "There are parallels with the opera story; there are elements of lust, passion, revenge and murder and all those thing that are associated with Carmen." However is it set in a different time and place. We are welcomed by the town name sign, 'Harmony' in 1960s. The versatile stage design encapsulates so many different scenes, from a garage to a diner, an office to communal showers, all designed by Lez Brotherston. Sparks fly from the garage as grease-monkey hot-rods finish off their days work. Works done and it's time to play. The mechanics strip for a steamy communal shower, my pulse rises as I see a cheeky flash of full nudity as the sculpted garage lads exit the stage, but blink and you'll miss it! They descend on the tacky neon lit Dino's Diner for beers, girls and tomfoolery. Lana, (ZiZi Strallen) Dino's wife flirts outrageously with every man who enters the diner, while at polar opposite, her younger sister, Rita, (Kate Lyons) is the shy, quiet type. Lana clearly despises her husband Dino, (Alan Vincent) whose temper rises each time he sees Lana dance with a customer. The hired help, Angelo (Liam Mower) is meek and nervous and subjected to cruel bullying and mocking from the grease-monkeys, especially when he falls for Rita. Through the frolics and fun, in walks Luca, (Jonny Olliver) a dark broodingly handsome drifter looking for some work. Everyone notices the stranger, hostile towards him at first, but Luca soon asserts his position as the alpha male. His agility is amazing as he floats through the air from table to table, playfully teasing them but winning their affection, especially in this case, Lana's. Sexually charged affairs ensue in the summers heat, but they are soon discovered and all hell is let loose. Luca's arrival instigates a mirage of emotions, from desire to deceit, from greed to revenge. Influencing every person he meets, to change for the worse. I do not want to give all the details of the ending away, but there is a shocking catalogue of events that follow. Murder, a framing, downfall, imprisonment, sexual violence, fighting and finally death. The 'New Adventures' company's talented dancers often perform different roles, meaning every live show is different from the next. Bourne choreographs a range of dancing styles, such as ballet duets, tango, 60's and a dramatic street fight sequence at the end. The energy in which the show is performed never ceases. The emotions of the lead characters are most compelling. The Car Man dramatically demonstrates lust and revenge, through a thrilling twist of events all performed to a wealth of instantly identified scores, arranged by Terry Davies, it's only a shame the music is not performed live. The Car Man is touring the country until August, I urge you to go and watch it, if only for the eye candy! read more

From the Modern glass façade outside, you wouldn't know you were about to walk into one of the most beautiful theatres in Edinburgh. Inside, everything is very traditional, with red carpets, ornate balconies and details. It is quite impressive. Perhaps the sitting on the seats isn't the most comfortable way to pass 3-4 hours, the norm if watching an opera, but at least there is an interval. For the last 3 consecutive years, I have seen the Autumn Scottish opera the the Festival Theatre, which usually reaches Edinburgh in November. The first year, it was the marriage of Figaro, in Italian with English subtitles. In 2011 I saw the Barber of Seville, again in Italian with English subtitles. In November, my boyfriend and I went to see the magic flute, which was translated from German into English. All three were fantastic, the soprano who played the queen of the night in the latter was particularly memorable. The sets were really fantastic, the singers and orchestra all spectacular, as was the directing. Perhaps, as my boyfriend (the expert on classical music) pointed out, the only downfall were the slightly poor acoustics in the theatre. Beyond that, each time I have had classics stuck in my head for at least a couple of days after the performance. The bathrooms are very clean, there's a cloakroom, ice cream and (overpriced) sweets are sold during the interval. I have never been to the cafe here, though it does actually look quite good and offers lavazza coffee.There are plenty of restaurants and supermarkets suiting different budgets nearby, so you should be okay anyway. If opera if not your thing, there are also musicals and ballets. Just buy before the day, I have not been to one event here and seen a vacant seat. On top of the fantastic venue, coming to the festival theatre is quite a reasonably priced night out for me; with my student ID, I only have to pay £10 for a ticket, and can choose to sit wherever I like! read more

£10 student on the day tickets are available for most shows, all good!

From my experience of seeing Ricky Gervais' Fame tour here, I found the Festival Theatre to be satisfying place to watch his stand up show. Ok, the bars are rammed at the intervals, but they always are in theatres. The seating was fine with no obvious focus on comfort, but nonetheless didn't restrict the blood flow to my derriere after a the 2 hour performance. The big glass facade is great too, adding to the grand style of the building. read more

I went to see RENT here a couple of weeks ago, it was absolutely amazing and I would totally recommend to anyone. It was so good and I'm actually becoming obsessed with it! (don't know if that's a good thing or not) Any who the Festival Theatre is central and is close to Princes Street. I got the tram through to St. Andrew's Square and walked to the theatre. It's quite a walk but is manageable to get there.They have a very traditional theatre and a traditional but modern entrance. As always staff will help you with your seat numbers (I don't know about you but I think the font make it harder to see). Obviously the only things would be the tiolet queue like at any theatre and the merchandise queue but sometimes you just have to go earlier and beat the rush. read more

Went to see Sunshine on Leith at this venue. Starting to show it's age a bit & getting a little tired. Should be due for a spruce up soon I would imagine. Despite this still a great venue with a good location. read more

This rather imposing modern building looks out of place next to the grandeur of Old College, however the layout is light and airy with a frontage entirely of windows. I've been a few times but most recently bought tickets on the day for a show recommended by a friend. My only option was to collect from the Box Office, which I went to do at 5pm (for a 7.30pm show). Sadly the member of staff I spoke to was rather short with me - he looked quite bored and was picking his ear the entire time he was talking to me - and told me the tickets wouldn't be available until 6pm. No problem, just would have been good to know in advance! When I did pick up the tickets the staff were very friendly - the ear-picker had clearly gone to do something else. Once inside, the staff were very pleasant and there are bars on every floor, meaning smaller queues during the interval. Despite the modern facade, the inside of the theatre is rather old and in dire need of renovation - the seats are old and clunky and the material fraying at the edges, which is a shame. Overall, a decent enough theatre with lots of space outside the main theatre space for milling around and meeting friends. read more

The festival theatre, located on Edinburgh's bridges, is a great place for cultural, arty types. It showcases some of the best contemporary drama and ballet productions. It is also a venue where comedians perform. For drama-lovers, the Scottish Youth Theatre meets here on a weekly basis to practice improvisation and other sketches. It's also a nice place to chill with a cappucino and watch the world go by. read more

Just wanted to say thank you. Came to watch War Horse, the most amazing evocative show I have seen. The entire audience was enthralled in everything that was happening, brilliant production. Before the show I used the restaurant/cafe and had a lovely meal, the staff are brilliant they make the customers feel so welcome, create brilliant fun atmosphere and are a credit to your business. read more

Lovely theatre - been here a few times now. There's a pleasant bar in the foyer which does a range of food. It's not too cheap - £10 for a main course - and unfortunately I can't tell you how good it is because the one time I went to try it, their gas had broken down and they couldn't cook anything. The menu looked scrummy though and they gave me some free bread and olives as an apology, so I'd be happy to try again next time I'm back (however, if you're wanting a proper dinner before a show, I suggest heading to the road to the Indian restaurant right across the road because that's fantastic). The facilities are all really modern - there a plenty of toilets and they're nice and clean - and the theatre itself is lovely; you don't expect a traditional old theatre behind the modern foyer and bar area, but a traditional old theatre is exactly what you get once you're inside. You can park round the corner in Chambers Street if you're driving, or it's an easy walk from the train station if you're coming from outside Edinburgh. read more

i only came here twice when i studented in edinburgh (is that a verb) - marabou stork nightmares and rocky horror show. the shows were well suited to the venue though i am sure the ushers were less than please when hoovering up all the rice at the rocky horror show. i lived nearby and saw there were loads of different shows often quite posh. it is a very distinctive looking building with a large glass front. alcohol inside is quite expensive. for a big show and a family night out this is a great place to go out in your gladrags read more

The Festival Theatre is a fantastic, traditional theatre - not what you'd expect from the modern, glass front exterior! The venue is particularly popular with ballet and other dance companies, and the box office and bar staff have always been very helpful and friendly. As you'd expect from a traditional theatre, the seating does not provide much leg room, but having sat in a number of different sections of the audience, I can say the view is generally pretty good. The theatre also offers a number of ticket promotions throughout the year and heavily discounted tickets are often available on the day if you get there early getting to watch Swan Lake at the International Festival for a fiver was a particular highlight definitely worth queuing for! read more

We have always found there to be a vast array of choice on offer at the Festival Theatre. Modern, clean and a nice cafe.

I've just seen Mum 2 at the Kings , brilliant show , I've never laughed so much for a long time, the comedy was fantastic as I can very well relate to the show and topic, excellent delivery, I would highly recommend this show read more