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

Mouthpiece

5th December 2018 - 22nd December 2018

Traverse Theatre Company in association with HighTide present Mouthpiece, a frank and unflinching look at the different Edinburghs which often exist in ignorance of one another.

McGonagall’s Chronicles

5th December 2018 - 12th December 2018

It's back by popular demand! McGonagall’s Chronicles, performed by Gary McNair, returns to Traverse Theatre in December.

The Gospel According to Jesus Queen of Heaven

13th December 2018 - 22nd December 2018

Almost ten years on from her controversial premiere, Jo Clifford and company bring their legendary production of 'The Gospel According to Jesus Queen of Heaven' to the Traverse for the first time.

MagicFest Christmas Special: The Miracle of Christmas Future

27th December 2018 - 30th December 2018

The MagicFest Christmas show is back at the Traverse theatre from 27th to 30th December with 'The Miracle of Christmas Future'.

Soundhouse: Vishten

27th January 2019

A powerhouse multi-instrumental trio, Vishtèn are flagbearers for their unique Acadian musical tradition throughout the world and you can catch them at Traverse Theatre on Sunday 27th January.