Traverse Theatre

About Traverse Theatre

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

Strange Tales

3rd December 2019 - 23rd December 2019

Filled with intrigue, mysticism, magic, sensuality, and a dash of terror, Strange Tales will draw you into a world full of mischievous fox spirits, yearning ghosts and enchanted swords.

I Can Go Anywhere

7th December 2019 - 21st December 2019

I Can Go Anywhere is a big-hearted call to arms; a Mod anthem to solidarity and acceptance in an increasingly hostile world. See it at the Traverse Theatre this December!

Strange Tales Workshop: Playing With Tales

14th December 2019

Join writer and performer Pauline Lockhart and the team for a workshop which aims to explore the creative process behind creating Strange Tales.

Soundhouse: Dean Owens & The Southeners

16th December 2019

Expect great music, songs, banter and some special guests as Soundhouse present Dean Owens & The Southeners on 16th December at Traverse Bar Café!

MagicFest: Opening Night Christmas Gala:

27th December 2019

Be swept off your feet and experience real wonder at Christmas with the best from the world of magic & mind-reading and the most amazing up and coming local talent!

Comedy Magic Club

28th December 2019 - 29th December 2019

Have your mind blown as you laugh yourself silly with a line up of the funniest, scariest, and freakiest, conjured up for your delight in our magic comedy club!

Kevin Quantum ‘Anti-Gravity’

28th December 2019 - 30th December 2019

Magic Circle Member Kevin Quantum explores the exotic space where science and magic meet. Magic is real. And he’ll prove it to you.

MagicFest: You Are Magic!

28th December 2019 - 30th December 2019

Join the fun as we conjure up a magic show from thin air! Thrilling illusions, spooky mind reading, stunning sleight-of-hand, and death-defying escapes.

More Live Music Venues in Edinburgh

Bannermans Bar

202 Cowgate, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1NQ

Bannermans Bar is Edinburgh's premier music venue, located in the heart of the city. Hosting bands and solo artists six nights a week, we are dedicated...
Read more

Baobab Bar and Eatery

13a Melville Place , Edinburgh West EH3 7PR

Cosy bar and eatery located in the heart of the West End of Edinburgh. Tables and booth seating with a wide range of drinks and tasty street food style food.
Read more

Bar Soba Edinburgh

104 Hanover Street , Edinburgh New Town EH2 1DR

Soba is inspired by the street vendors of South East Asia and our menu touches on traditional classic street food from all over the region. Our aim is...
Read more

Belushis Bar Edinburgh

32 Market Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1QB

Belushi’s Bar is in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and offers regular live music, student nights and sports.
Read more

Biblos Edinburgh

1 Chambers Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1HU

Biblos is a nice, relaxing bar, lounge and restaurant with additional spaces for functions and events and a trendy new bar for live events. We are located...
Read more

Boteco Do Brasil Edinburgh

47 Lothian Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1HB

Boteco is the perfect venue for your next gathering or celebration!
Read more

Brewhemia

1A Market Street , Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1DE

Brewhemia is a special kind of place. It’s a place steeped in legend, rich cultural history and globe-trotting adventures. We are based on Market Street...
Read more

Brig Below

96-98 Leith Walk, Leith EH6 5HB

Brig Below, established in 2017 in the heart of Leith, is a new cellar venue available for live music, comedy, private functions and more.
Read more

BT Murrayfield Stadium

Murrayfield Stadium Roseburn Street, Edinburgh West EH12 5P

Murrayfield Stadium (known as BT Murrayfield Stadium for sponsorship reasons, or usually just known as Murrayfield) is a sports stadium located in the...
Read more

Cabaret Voltaire

36 - 38 Blair Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1QR

This is Cabaret Voltaire, a local arts and music institution in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. We specialize in music. Live music, dance music but...
Read more

Citrus Club

40 - 42 Grindlay Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH3 9AP

Welcome to the Citrus Club, Edinburgh’s longest established nightclub established in 1991 and still going strong. The Citrus Club is available for gigs...
Read more

Dalriada

77 Promenade, Portobello EH15 2EL

Award winning family run bar, situated right on the beach in Edinburgh's Portobello.
Read more

Dirty Martini Edinburgh

Le Monde Hotel 16 George Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 2PF

The Dirty Martini can hold anything from 30 – 250 guests, the perfect space to create unforgettable experiences.
Read more

Dreadnought Rock

14 - 16 King Street, Bathgate EH48 1AX

Dreadnought Rock in Bathgate is Scotland's longest running Rock Club.
Read more

Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre

Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre Eastgate, Peebles EH45 8AD

The Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre in the centre of Peebles is the busiest arts venue in the Scottish Borders, staging more than 200 events a year.
Read more

Eastside

51a George Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 2HT

Enjoy boozy cocktails, craft beer and ready-to-eat, delicious food and also all the top sports, free karaoke, the best live DJs that Edinburgh has to offer at Eastside on George Street!
Read more

Edinburgh Corn Exchange

10 New Market Rd, Edinburgh West EH14 1RJ

Whether you are looking for a conference centre, banqueting suite, exhibition hall, or a world class music venue, our experienced team are here to deliver...
Read more

Edinburgh International Conference Centre

The Exchange 150 Morrison St, Edinburgh West EH3 8EE

Situated at the heart of Scotland's elegant and historic capital city, the EICC is one of the world's outstanding venues for conferences, conventions...
Read more

Edinburgh Playhouse

18 - 22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh New Town EH1 3AA

The Edinburgh Playhouse is a former cinema which now hosts touring musicals and music concerts. Find out what's on at the Edinburgh Playhouse and book your tickets online with What's On Edinburgh!
Read more

Espionage

4 India Buildings Victoria Street , Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2EX

Labyrinth of themed rooms, including Moroccan-styled Kasbar and Cold War era Eastern European space.
Read more

Finnegans Wake

9B Victoria Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2HE

Spacious Irish-themed bar with buzzing atmosphere, live bands, TV sports and student discounts.
Read more

George IV Bar

54 George IV Bridge , Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1EJ

Located on the historical George IV Bridge in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, we are a traditional Scottish public house bursting with charm and character.
Read more

Henrys Cellar Bar

16A Morrison Street, Edinburgh West EH3 8BJ

Henry's Cellar Bar is one of Edinburgh's longest running independent venues. A central, intimate basement bar with a grass roots feeling hosting a varied...
Read more

Howden Park Centre

Howden Park Centre Howden, Livingston EH54 6AE

West Lothian's most exciting venue for arts, music, theatre, comedy, dance, exhibitions, classes and food. Howden Park Centre is a stunning arts centre...
Read more

La Belle Angele

11 Hastie's Close, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1HJ

La Belle Angèle, the venue originally formed in the early nineties and which for over a decade stood at the forefront of underground art, music and clubbing...
Read more

Le Monde Hotel

16 George Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 2PF

Located on Edinburgh’s George Street, Le Monde Hotel is in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre. Only a 5 minute walk from Waverley Train Station...
Read more

Leith Depot

140 Leith Walk, Leith EH6 5DT

We have a very cosy, welcoming and laid back bar located on Leith Walk, with lovely huge windows looking out onto lovely Leith Walk. Our fantastic Team...
Read more

Leith Dockers Club

17-17A Academy Street , Leith EH6 7EE

Leith Dockers Social Club or “The Dockers” as it’s fondly known to the locals, is a busy social club in the heart of Leith.We cater for all types...
Read more

Lola Lo

43B Frederick Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 1EP

Lively Polynesian bar and dance club with bamboo decor, flamboyant cocktails and VIP booths.
Read more

Lulu

125b George Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 4JN

This hidden gem is tucked beneath our sister Venue Tigerlily in the heart of Edinburgh. Comfortably exclusive, but ever so slightly saucy. Welcome to...
Read more

Malones Edinburgh

242 Morrison Street, Edinburgh West EH3 8DT

Spacious bar with traditional Irish decor, gourmet burgers, live music and big-screen sport.
Read more

Meadowbank Sports Centre

139 - 143 London Road, Edinburgh East EH7 6AE

Meadowbank Sports Centre has been at the heart of sport and physical activity for almost 50 years and we're sad to close the doors on this part of Edinburgh...
Read more

Opium

71 Cowgate, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1JW

Classic and alternative rock club with regular drinks specials, themed events and karaoke nights.Open from 8 till late 7 nights a week with free entry...
Read more

OX184

184-186 Cowgate, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1JJ

Under the shadow of Edinburgh's South Bridge is OX184 a bar and late night and live music venue; renowned for its wood-fired grill, craft beer and whisky...
Read more

Paradise Palms

41 Lothian Street , Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1HB

Paradise Palms is a bar, diner, event venue, record store, label and purveyor of good quality tropical. A place to meet friends, eat, drink, and dance...
Read more

Reid Concert Hall

NA Bristo Place, Edinburgh Old Town EH8 9AG

A 218-seat Victorian venue built in 1859, the Reid Concert Hall is an integral part of the Reid School of Music. It houses two Steinway D concert grand...
Read more

Royal British Legion Scotland Edinburgh Central

Elsie Clark Halls 33 Rodney Street, Edinburgh North EH7 4EL

The Royal British Legion Scotland holds regular entertainment at their Edinburgh Central branch with live music, cabaret lunches and ladies nights.
Read more

Royal Highland Centre

Royal Highland Centre Ingliston, Edinburgh West EH28 8NB

The Royal Highland Centre is Scotland’s premier indoor and outdoor events venue set in parkland just minutes from Edinburgh Airport and the city centre...
Read more

Royal Lyceum Theatre

Royal Lyceum Theatre Grindlay Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH3 9AX

Welcome to The Lyceum, home to one of Scotland's largest and most successful producing companies. Our main output is our Season of high-quality drama...
Read more

Smash

40 - 42 Grindlay Street, Edinburgh West EH3 9AP

Edinburgh''s newest music venue playing the music you want to hear.
Read more

Sneaky Petes

73 Cowgate, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1JW

Sneaky Pete's is a small capacity one room club located on the Cowgate in Edinburgh city centre. Guest DJs play throughout the week as well as at weekends...
Read more

St Cecilias Hall

St Cecilia’s Hall Niddry Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1NQ

The beautiful, elliptical St Cecilia's Hall dates back to 1763, making it the oldest purpose-built concert hall in Scotland.Designed by Robert Mylne for...
Read more

Stramash

207 Cowgate, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1JQ

Located in the heart of the Old Town, next to the vibrant Grassmarket area we are a 900-capacity live music venue. Having undergone a radical makeover...
Read more

Studio 24

24 - 26 Calton Rd, Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8DP

STUDIO 24 is an independent nightclub in the heart of Edinburgh. This venue not only showcases live music but is also home to a diverse collection of...
Read more

Subway Cowgate

69 Cowgate, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1JW

Slap bang in the heart of the Cowgate this is the official party stop. All killer no filler every night with drinks prices that you’ll find hard to...
Read more

Summerhall

1 Summerhall , Edinburgh South EH9 1PL

Summerhall is open to the public all year round and hosts events in all the City’s major festivals. But it’s far more than Edinburgh’s newest and...
Read more

Teviot Row House

13 Bristo Place, Edinburgh South EH8 9AJ

Teviot is the oldest purpose built Student Union in the world. It opened its doors in 1889 and it remains one of the most vibrant and well used Student...
Read more

The Banshee Labyrinth

29 - 35 Niddry Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1LG

Our night club proves why Edinburgh really is a Jekyll & Hyde city! Half of the club was once part of the infamous “underground Vaults” -once the...
Read more

The Bluebird Cafe

5 Canonmills, Canonmills EH3 5HA

Southern hospitality in the heart of the city centre. Tennessee inspired dining with locally sourced Scottish produce.
Read more

The Bongo Club

66 Cowgate, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1JX

The Bongo Club is a nightclub, gig and events venue, an all-round artistic hub, with residencies from Scotland's most notorious club nights. Owned by...
Read more

The Caves

8 - 12 Niddry Street South, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1NS

The Caves is a truly unique venue that makes up the sub-structure of the 18th Century South Bridge. There is no venue more Edinburgh than the Caves, or...
Read more

The Fiddlers Arms

11-13 Grassmarket , Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2HY

Welcome to the Fiddler’s Arms - a warm and friendly traditional pub sitting at the end of the Grassmarket in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.
Read more

The Globe Bar

13 Niddry Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1LG

The Globe Bar is a well-established sports bar located just off the Royal Mil, with all sports catered for – no matter how niche.
Read more

The Jam House

5 Queen Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 1JE

Dusky purple lights cast romantic shadows on the walls of this funky, jazz-centric venue.Guests dine on the first floor balcony, above the main stage,...
Read more

The Jazz Bar

1A Chambers Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1HR

Welcome to Edinburgh’s famous Jazz Bar …Looking for a ‘Jazz Club’? Great – you’ve found one!However, this place is a LOT more than just a ‘...
Read more

The Liquid Room

9C Victoria Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2HE

Live Music & Club VenueOpened in May 1997 The Liquidroom is widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading venues for Gigs and Club nights. For over 17...
Read more

The Mash House

Hastie's Close 37 Guthrie Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1JQ

Situated in the Cowgate, in close proximity to both the Royal Mile and Grassmarket, this former church has recently been extended and extensively refurbished...
Read more

The Outhouse

12A Broughton Street Lane, Edinburgh New Town EH1 3LY

Tucked down Broughton Street Lane, The Outhouse is a renowned venue in Edinburgh, known for brilliant themed parties and a focus on live music and supporting...
Read more

The Queens Hall Edinburgh

85 - 89 Clerk Street, Edinburgh South EH8 9JG

The Queen's Hall is a 900-capacity music venue, situated on Clerk Street in Edinburgh, Scotland. Originally built in 1823 as Hope Park Chapel, it was...
Read more

The Royal Mile Tavern

127 High Street , Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SG

A traditional Scottish public house bursting with charm and character and located on the historical Royal Mile.
Read more

The Tron

9 Hunter Square, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1QW

A hub for students and locals alike, The Tron is one of Edinburgh's best pubs for great beers, value food and a bit of friendly banter.You'll find our...
Read more

The Voodoo Rooms

19a West Register Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 2AA

Bar, Restaurant, Music, Entertainment, Functions.The Voodoo Rooms is an award-winning bar & restaurant located in central Edinburgh which opened in November...
Read more

The Wee Red Bar

Edinburgh Art College Lauriston Place, Edinburgh Old Town EH3 9DF

The Wee Red Bar is a small bar & club with cheap drink prices and great music situated in the grounds of Edinburgh College Of Art.
Read more

Usher Hall

Usher Hall Lothian Road, Edinburgh West EH1 2EA

Since 1896, when Andrew Usher made his historic gift of �100,000 to the City of Edinburgh to found a concert hall, the Usher Hall has become one of...
Read more

Whiski Bar & Restaurant

119 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SG

WHISKI is a stunning multi award winning whisky bar and restaurant on the Royal Mile, full of character and with a brilliant atmosphere. WHISKI's all...
Read more

Whiski Rooms

4 - 7 North Bank Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2LP

WHISKI Rooms is a new concept venue in Edinburgh overlooking the Mound 4 -7 North Bank Street, Edinburgh. Comprising of three inter-linked units, a bar...
Read more

Whistle Binkies Edinburgh

4 - 6 South Bridge , Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1LL

Welcome to Whistle Binkies Live Music Bar, Edinburgh.Sundays to Thursdays are free entry featuring up to 4 live bands until 3am; Fridays and Saturdays...
Read more

Why Not Nightclub

14 George Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH2 2PF

Since the full refurbishment in January of 2013 Why Not Nightclub has quickly reinstated its reputation as Edinburgh’s premier night spot and has proven...
Read more

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Advertise With Us

Looking to reach new customers? We offer a variety of advertising options with prices starting from just £30 per month!

Click here to find out more »