Traverse Theatre

About Traverse Theatre

	10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh West EH1 2ED
	01312281404
	Traverse Theatre Website
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Listed Under Attractions - Live Music Venues Attractions - Theatres

The Traverse Theatre began life in 1963 as a theatre club in an abandoned brothel in Edinburgh's Lawnmarket. The theatre is so named because its first Artistic Director, Terry Lane, mistakenly believed that the staging arrangement is called 'traverse'. He later realised that it is 'transverse' but it was already too well known to change it.

In its first year of operation, a theatre conference was organised by director Jim Haynes, John Calder and Kenneth Tynan. Within three years of existence, the tiny theatre club had produced 110 productions, including 28 British premieres and 33 world premieres.

At the end of the 1960s, the Traverse moved to a larger space in Edinburgh's Grassmarket, with flexible seating configurations. The first performance in this venue was on 24 Aug 1969. In its early days the theatre included exhibition space for the visual arts, until 1966 when it was taken away to establish what became the Richard Demarco Gallery.

In 1992, the Traverse moved to its current location at Cambridge Street. A £3.3 million purpose-built two theatre space with bar café was created as part of the Saltire Court development on Castle Terrace. The theatre's first performance at this location was on 3 July 1992.

Upcoming Events at Traverse Theatre

A Play, A Pie and A Pint: Margaret Saves Scotland

17th April 2018 - 21st April 2018

Traverse Theatre presents: Margaret Saves Scotland, written by Val McDermid, as part of A Play, A Pie and A Pint, Òran Mór feature.

A Play, A Pie and A Pint: Eulogy

24th April 2018 - 28th April 2018

Be prepared to laugh, cry and sing your hearts out when the Traverse Theatre present A Play, A Pie and A Pint: Eulogy, written by Rob Drummond.

Gut

24th April 2018 - 12th May 2018

Traverse Theatre Company in association with National Theatre of Scotland present Gut, a taut psychological thriller that explores who we can trust with our children.

Soundhouse: The Fretless

29th April 2018

Catch Juno award-winning Canadian super group The Fretless at Traverse Theatre on 29th April!

Soundhouse: Woody Pines

30th April 2018

Roots music hotshots Woody Pines return to the UK and you can see them at the Traverse Theatre on 30th April.

A Play, A Pie and A Pint: Bubblewrap

1st May 2018 - 5th May 2018

A Play, A Pie and A Pint: Bubblewrap, written by Hilary Lyon, is the last is this seasons popular feature at Traverse Theatre.

Soundhouse: Mary Ann Kennedy

6th May 2018

The Soundhouse Organisation presents Mary Ann Kennedy, founder member of ‘supergroup’ Cliar, at Traverse Theatre on 6th May.

Soundhouse at Traverse: Martin Simpson

7th May 2018

Following a sell-out show for Martin Simpson in 2017, Soundhouse are delighted to welcome him back as the closing Tradfest act at The Traverse.

Anatomy: Finest Cuts

10th May 2018 - 11th May 2018

Anatomy: Finest Cuts is a full-throttle live art cabaret with an unpredictable cauldron of mischievous performance.

Soundhouse: Anna and Elizabeth

13th May 2018

Enjoy a captivating performance and breathtaking harmonies from Anna & Elizabeth at the Traverse Theatre on 13th May!

Ma, Pa and the Little Mouths

16th May 2018 - 19th May 2018

Tron Theatre in association with National Theatre of Scotland present the world premier of Ma, Pa and the Little Mouths at Traverse Theatre in May.

Forbidden Stories

17th May 2018 - 18th May 2018

Forbidden Stories is a multimedia performance that explores the theme of borders in the separated island of Cyprus.

Jazz at the Traverse: TSYJO in Concert

19th May 2018

The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra is once again delighted to return in concert to the Traverse Theatre for a wonderful afternoon of scintillating jazz.

Soundhouse: The Poozies

21st May 2018

The Poozies are on a two-week Scottish tour after the official launch of their new album and the Soundhouse gig at Traverse Theatre is the grand finale!

PASS Out 2018

23rd May 2018 - 24th May 2018

Edinburgh College’s Performing Arts Studio Scotland returns to Traverse with their unique take on showcase performances for graduate actors.

Baba Yaga

28th May 2018 - 3rd June 2018

Vaselina lives the quiet life but that changes when she is forced to confront a terrifying resident who plays music too loudly. An uproarious new take on an old Russian folktale.

A Feast of Bones

28th May 2018 - 29th May 2018

While a waitress sits polishing her knives, one cunning customer is about to be served a meal he will never forget. A musical fable about revenge.

Mbuzeni

30th May 2018 - 31st May 2018

With singing, music, poetry and the tonal clicking language of Xhosa, Mbuzeni explores obsession in the lives of four young girls.

Expedition Peter Pan

1st June 2018 - 3rd June 2018

Expedition Peter Pan explores rediscovering the joys of play, shaking off the shackles of adulthood, and flying high with the king of make-believe.

Soundhouse: Kaela Rowan Band

4th June 2018

The Soundhouse Organisation are delighted to present the Kaela Rowan Band at The Traverse on 4th June.

The Darkness or Else the Light

8th June 2018 - 9th June 2018

Strange Town's 14-18s group present a brand new piece 'The Darkness or Else the Light' at Travers Theatre on 8th & 9th June.

Soundhouse: Moishe’s Bagel with Fiona Hunter

11th June 2018

Moishe's Bagel will be joined by special guest, Scottish singer Fiona Hunter for this gig at the Traverse on 11th June.

Tim Key: Megadate

13th June 2018 - 14th June 2018

Edinburgh Comedy Award-winner Tim Key brings his brand new show 'Megadate' to Traverse Theatre on 13th & 14th June.

The Miss Annabel Sings Show: Pride March

15th June 2018 - 16th June 2018

Dive Queer Party present a very special dose of anarchic entertainment with The Miss Annabel Sings Show in celebration of LGBT Pride.

Soundhouse: The Foo Birds

18th June 2018

The Soundhouse Organisation presents 8-piece funk/soul band 'The Foo Birds' at Traverse Theatre on 18th June.

Mark Thomas - Check Up: Our NHS at 70

29th July 2018 - 26th August 2018

Comedian Mark Thomas uses his own demise to explore the state of the NHS and what the future might hold for all of us.

Meek

31st July 2018 - 26th August 2018

Presented by Headlong in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Meek is a tale which reflects on our own fraught times.

Underground Railroad Game

2nd August 2018 - 26th August 2018

Soho Theatre presents... Underground Railroad Game, an R-rated, kaleidoscopic and fearless comedy, at Traverse Theatre in August.

What Girls Are Made Of

3rd August 2018 - 26th August 2018

Performed with a live band, 'What Girls Are Made Of' is the true story of Cora Bissets's journey, celebrating life’s euphoric highs and epic shitstorms.