CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Edinburgh Playhouse Backstage Tours

Take a bow on a stage where the world's greatest artists have performed and hear about the vast artistic history of Edinburgh Playhouse on one of their popular Backstage Tours!

Edinburgh Playhouse Backstage Tours

About Edinburgh Playhouse Backstage Tours

20th March 2026
21st March 2026
22nd March 2026
10am & 10.30am
Edinburgh Playhouse
18 - 22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh New Town EH1 3AA
See event website for details
Find Tickets
Visit the event website here

Do you know someone who would love a sneak peak backstage of our glorious theatre? Then why not give a thespian the perfect gift; an Edinburgh Playhouse Backstage Tour for only £15.

Join us as we welcome you backstage to see exactly how the magic of theatre is created behind the big red curtain. The tours will last approximately 60 – 90 minutes. Your ticket also includes a cup or tea or coffee and a pastry in our bar, Little Picardy.

“Guides were fantastic. Really knowledgeable and clearly passionate about their jobs and the industry as a whole.”

“My highlight was definitely getting to go onstage and see all the parts of the theatre that I have never seen in my years of coming to the Playhouse as a theatre fan.”


Tours do not include a show ticket. Backstage & stage access is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. Routes may change and involve a number of stairs and narrow corridors. We advise that you wear comfortable clothing and suitable shoes. Tours may be cancelled last minute due to company rehearsals or needs. Under 18s must be supervised by an adult at all times. Private and school tours are also available. If you have any access needs, please do get in touch before your visit. Your ticket also includes a cup or tea or coffee and a pastry in our bar, Little Picardy can only be used for the day of tour.

This Tour is a Creative Learning event. Tickets for Creative Learning events are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Find tickets with ATG Tickets: Search now

Some external links on this site are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you, if you click or make a purchase.

Additional Dates: 21 March 2026, 22 March 2026

Sponsored Links

Edinburgh Tartan Parade
Edinburgh Street Historians
The Chocolatarium
Escape The Past
King Pins
MNB
Arc Inspirations

Other Events at Edinburgh Playhouse

Matilda The Musical

4th March 2026 - 22nd March 2026

Matilda The Musical, the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by Roald Dahl, comes to the Edinburgh Playhouse in March!

READ MORE

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show

24th March 2026 - 25th March 2026

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show is coming to Edinburgh Playhouse in March and is packed full of music, adventure and surprises for little ones, the perfect introduction to theatre!

READ MORE

An Orchestral Tribute to Tim Burton & Dark Fantasy by Moonlight

26th March 2026

Enjoy an enchanting live performance of whimsical and otherworldly dark fantasy film music, brought to life by the Illuminated Orchestra, beneath the glow of a giant moon at Edinburgh Playhouse!

READ MORE

Dara Ó Briain: Re:Creation

28th March 2026

Dara Ó Briain is back with a brand new live show! He'll bring Re:Creation to the Edinburgh Playhouse on Saturday 28th March 2026!

READ MORE

Seven Drunken Nights - The Story of the Dubliners

31st March 2026

Seven Drunken Nights: The Story of The Dubliners will return to UK theatres for its biggest and best ever tour with a date at Edinburgh Playhouse on 31st March!

READ MORE

Ellen Kent: The Farewell Tour - Carmen

2nd April 2026

Don't miss an evening of passion, sexual jealousy, death and unforgettable arias when this award winning Ellen Kent Production of Bizet's Carmen comes to Edinburgh Playhouse on Thursday 2nd April!

READ MORE

Ellen Kent: The Farewell Tour - Madama Butterfly

3rd April 2026

Back as part of the Farewell Opera Tour, Ellen Kent's award-winning Opera Madama Butterfly returns to Edinburgh Playhouse on Friday, April 3rd!

READ MORE

Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!

8th April 2026

Gabby's Dollhouse Live! is a brand-new stage show inspired by the magical world of the global preschool sensation from DreamWorks Animation. Don't miss it at the Edinburgh Playhouse in April!

READ MORE

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

9th April 2026

The Rock Orchestra returns to Edinburgh Playhouse with an epic, new 90-minute concert, infusing iconic Rock & Metal anthems with a hauntingly beautiful energy!

READ MORE

Russell Howard - Don’t Tell The Algorithm

11th April 2026

Russell Howard is back with a brand-new stand-up tour in 2026! He'll bring 'Don't Tell The Algorithm' to the Edinburgh Playhouse on Saturday 11th April!

READ MORE

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical

14th April 2026 - 18th April 2026

Grab your heels, pack the glitter, and get ready to Shake Your Groove Thing once again when Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical comes to Edinburgh Playhouse!

READ MORE

Paul Carrack

19th April 2026

Paul Carrack, one of Britain's most cherished and distinctive voices, has announced a full UK tour for Spring 2026, with a date at Edinburgh Playhouse on Sunday 19th April!

READ MORE

Gravity

23rd April 2026

It's Time To Defy Gravity! West End and Broadway legends Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman and Rachel Tucker will bring their star power to the Edinburgh Playhouse on Thursday 23rd April!

READ MORE

Sue, Matt & Phil LIVE! The Reunion Tour

24th April 2026

Sue Barker, Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell are hitting the road for another unmissable live tour in 2026, which includes a night at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Friday 24th April!

READ MORE

Monty Don: A Journey Through British Gardens

25th April 2026

Join Britain’s best-loved gardener Monty Don when he brings his brand-new show, celebrating his landmark book and BBC2 series, British Gardens, to the Edinburgh Playhouse on Saturday April 25th!

READ MORE

Diversity - Soul

26th April 2026

Diversity, the UK's most successful dance group, will bring their new concept tour SOUL to the Edinburgh Playhouse in April 2026!

READ MORE

Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals

1st May 2026

Don’t miss your chance to see Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals UK Tour when it returns to Edinburgh Playhouse in May 2026!

READ MORE

Josh Widdicombe: Not My Cup of Tea

2nd May 2026

Has Josh Widdicombe mastered the art of stand-up? Come along and decide for yourself when he brings his new show, Not My Cup of Tea, to the Edinburgh Playhouse!

READ MORE

Sunny Afternoon

5th May 2026 - 9th May 2026

Sunny Afternoon, the multi-award-winning musical sensation about one of the greatest bands of all time, The Kinks, is returning for a major UK tour, don't miss it at the Edinburgh Playhouse!

READ MORE

Macbeth

7th May 2026

In this fresh interpretation of Macbeth by Out of Chaos, a multi award winning theatre company, audiences are invited right into the heart of the story.

READ MORE

Waitress

12th May 2026 - 16th May 2026

Treat yourself to a 'slice of five-star musical pie' (The Times) as the hit musical comedy Waitress comes to the Edinburgh Playhouse for one week only!

READ MORE

The Bodyguard

18th May 2026

The international, award-winning smash-hit musical based on the blockbuster film, The Bodyguard is back! Don't miss it when it returns to the Edinburgh Playhouse in 2026!

READ MORE

2:22 A Ghost Story

25th May 2026 - 30th May 2026

Direct from London's West End, the edge-of-your-seat, supernatural thriller 2:22 A Ghost Story comes to the Edinburgh Playhouse in May 2026!

READ MORE

Kraftwerk

9th June 2026

German legends Kraftwerk return to the UK for a series of spectacular audiovisual concerts, don't miss them live at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Tuesday 9th June!

READ MORE

The Beach Boys

16th June 2026

The Beach Boys, who have become synonymous with the California lifestyle and an American icon to fans around the world, will salute 60 years of Pet Sounds at Edinburgh Playhouse on 16th July!

READ MORE

Bluey’s Big Play

18th June 2026 - 21st June 2026

Following a hugely successful UK tour, Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli are heading to Edinburgh Playhouse with the Olivier award-nominated live stage show, Bluey's Big Play!

READ MORE

Derren Brown: Only Human

23rd June 2026 - 27th June 2026

Prepare to be astonished as the multi award-winning master of mind control and psychological illusion, Derren Brown, returns with his brand new live show, ONLY HUMAN.

READ MORE

The Temptations and the Four Tops

29th June 2026

Legendary music groups The Four Tops and The Temptations band together for this special night of timeless hits at Edinburgh Playhouse on Monday 29th June!

READ MORE

Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf

15th July 2026

Returning to Edinburgh Playhouse after selling out in 2025! Stewart Lee shares his stage with a tough-talking werewolf comedian from the dark forests of the subconscious who hates humanity.

READ MORE

Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance

16th July 2026 - 19th July 2026

Lord of the Dance, the global phenomenon that redefined Irish dance, returns to Edinburgh in the summer of 2026 as part of a new UK tour to mark the production's 30th Anniversary!

READ MORE

David Byrne

20th July 2026 - 22nd July 2026

David Byrne returns to the road with a brand new live show in support of his new album, Who Is the Sky? Don't miss him live at the Edinburgh Playhouse for three nights in July!

READ MORE

Forth on The Fringe

7th August 2026 - 8th August 2026

Forth on the Fringe is the annual one stop shop for all the essential acts you need to see at this year’s Edinburgh Festival. Catch it at Edinburgh Playhouse on 7th & 8th August!

READ MORE

Daniel Sloss: BITTER

15th August 2026

Scotland’s international comedy superstar Daniel Sloss unleashes his brilliant and devastatingly hilarious brand-new show 'BITTER' at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Saturday 15th August.

READ MORE

Troy Hawke: Never Stop, Never Change!

21st August 2026

Following last year's sellout world tour, Troy Hawke is back to his globe sweeping in 2026 with new show Never Stop, Never Change! Don't miss it at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Friday 21st August!

READ MORE

Connor Burns: FLOW

22nd August 2026

Connor Burns' 2025 show sold out 12,000 tickets in Edinburgh alone, toured UK, Australia and packed the Glasgow Kings Theatre 5 times over! Don't miss him when he returns to Edinburgh with FLOW!

READ MORE

Edinburgh International Festival: Mere Mortals

28th August 2026 - 30th August 2026

San Francisco Ballet presents a provocative myth for the AI age, in their futuristic retelling of Pandora’s Box at Edinburgh Playhouse.

READ MORE

An Evening with Sir David Jason

5th September 2026

Sir David Jason is delighted to be travelling to Scotland to perform his new stage show 'An Evening with Sir David Jason' at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Saturday 5th September!

READ MORE

High Society

8th September 2026 - 12th September 2026

Clear your diary, because you're invited to the most swell party of the year, when Cole Porter's High Society comes to the Edinburgh Playhouse in September!

READ MORE

Annie

15th September 2026 - 20th September 2026

The smash-hit West End production of Annie, the world's favourite family musical, returns to the Edinburgh Playhouse in September, you can bet your bottom dollar that you'll love it!

READ MORE

Kevin Bridges: Here If You Need Me

22nd September 2026 - 26th September 2026

Scotland's comedy powerhouse Kevin Bridges comes to the Edinburgh Playhouse in 2026 with his brand-new stand-up show, Here If You Need Me!

READ MORE

Sam Campbell: Kid Giblet

27th September 2026

Sam Campbell is one of the UK's most distinctive and boundary-pushing comedic talents, don't miss him when he brings his new show, Kid Giblet, to the Edinburgh Playhouse on 27th September!

READ MORE

Legally Blonde

29th September 2026 - 3rd October 2026

The iconic international West End and Broadway smash hit musical comedy Legally Blonde The Musical is back in fashion with a huge new production, don't miss it at the Edinburgh Playhouse!

READ MORE

Eckhart Tolle

4th October 2026

With his hallmark warmth, humour, and compassion, this evening with Eckhart Tolle offers an opportunity to reconnect with the peace and serenity that arise from living in the present moment.

READ MORE

The Archers: Live at 75

5th October 2026

It's time to don your best hat, dust off your prize-winning jam recipe and join the Edinburgh Playhouse for an unforgettable celebration of 75 glorious years of BBC Radio 4's The Archers!

READ MORE

Miriam’s Full English LIVE

6th October 2026

Join Miriam Margolyes OBE in conversation at the Edinburgh Playhouse for stories from her new book, naughty confessions, and a no-holds-barred Q&A where no question is off-limits!

READ MORE

Professor Brian Cox: Emergence World Tour

7th October 2026 - 8th October 2026

After performing his smash-hit show 'Horizons' to nearly half a million people across the world, Professor Brian Cox is back with his new tour world tour Emergence!

READ MORE

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds

10th October 2026

One of the most trailblazing arena tours of all time, Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of 'The War of The Worlds' - LIVE! The Concert Experience comes to the Edinburgh Playhouse on Saturday 10th October!

READ MORE

Jersey Boys

12th October 2026 - 17th October 2026

The internationally acclaimed stage sensation Jersey Boys is working its way back round the UK and stops off at Edinburgh Playhouse in October!

READ MORE

Dirty Dancing

27th October 2026 - 31st October 2026

Exploding with heart-pounding music, breath-taking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing, Dirty Dancing comes to Edinburgh Playhouse in October 2026 as part of a UK and Irish tour!

READ MORE

Paul Smith: Happy

5th November 2026 - 6th November 2026

Paul Smith is hitting the road again with his brand-new tour HAPPY and this is the biggest, boldest show of his career... don't miss him live at the Edinburgh Playhouse in March 2027!

READ MORE

Voulez Vous - The Music of ABBA

7th November 2026

Get ready to dust off your platform boots and don your finest 70s costumes as The Edinburgh Playhouse celebrates 50 years of ABBA with the most electrifying tribute show of the year!

READ MORE

Murderous Minds with Emma Kenny

15th November 2026

Following on from the nationwide sell-out success of Killer Couples, best-selling author, psychologist and leading crime commentator Emma Kenny returns to Edinburgh with a brand-new live show.

READ MORE

Mean Girls

17th November 2026 - 21st November 2026

Expect iconic characters, razor-sharp wit, and killer songs when Mean Girls comes to Edinburgh Playhouse. Grab your friends, this is going to be fetch – and YES Edinburgh, we're making it happen!

READ MORE

Bill Bailey: Vaudevillean

25th November 2026

Before streaming, before tv, before cinema, before even radio… There was Vaudeville! Bill Bailey returns to Edinburgh with a brand new show - Vaudevillean!

READ MORE

The Proclaimers

27th November 2026 - 28th November 2026

2026 will see The Proclaimers return with a new album and a live tour which includes two nights at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th November!

READ MORE

Back To The Future The Musical

2nd December 2026 - 2nd January 2027

Strap in for the smash hit Back to the Future The Musical, landing at the Edinburgh Playhouse for 4 weeks as part of its first ever UK tour!

READ MORE

Romesh Ranganathan Will Change Your Life

9th January 2027 - 10th January 2027

Tired of papering over the cracks in your life? Then you clearly haven't tried Romesh Ranganathan's new quick fix. His latest tour! It's scientifically proven* to boost your self-esteem!

READ MORE

Jack Whitehall: Bad Influence

12th January 2027 - 13th January 2027

After far too long behaving himself, Jack Whitehall is heading back on the road with his brand-new national arena tour, Bad Influence, don't miss him live at the Edinburgh Playhouse in January!

READ MORE

Billy Elliot the Musical

19th January 2027 - 6th February 2027

The award-winning global hit Billy Elliot the Musical finally returns home to the UK, exhilarating, hilarious and unforgettable as ever... don't miss it at the Edinburgh Playhouse!

READ MORE

Burlesque The Musical

16th February 2027 - 27th February 2027

After taking the West End by storm, where it became summer 2025's biggest hit, selling out night after night, Burlesque A BIG New Musical is coming to Edinburgh Playhouse in February!

READ MORE

Greg Davies: Full Fat Legend

9th March 2027 - 10th March 2027

Greg Davies has announced extra dates for his Full Fat Legend tour, don't miss your final chance to see it live at Edinburgh Playhouse on 9th & 10th March 2027!

READ MORE

Alan Carr: Have I Said Too Much

19th March 2027 - 20th March 2027

With a big mouth and a talent for oversharing, Alan Carr's ready to dish some drama when he brings his new show, Have I Said Too Much, to the Edinburgh Playhouse!

READ MORE

The Mousetrap

5th April 2027 - 10th April 2027

Discover why Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap has kept people guessing for so long, becoming the longest running show of any kind in the history of theatre when it returns to Edinburgh Playhouse!

READ MORE

Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical

25th May 2027 - 29th May 2027

40 years on from the iconic gig that re-wrote music history, relive the joy of Live Aid when Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical comes to the Edinburgh Playhouse!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Cancer Research UK
Wonder & Co
Support The Makers
St Mary's Music School
Fayre Play
Ordnance Survey
Edinburgh Dungeon

Similar events you might like...

Edinburgh Street Historians LGBTQ Free Walking Tour

Edinburgh Street Historians LGBTQ Free Walking Tour

Selected dates between 12th December 2025 - 27th March 2026
Edinburgh Old Town

This walking tour of Edinburgh focuses on LGBTQ history from the battle of legalisation to the modern issues faced by the community in the current day!

READ MORE
Arthur’s Secrets

Arthur’s Secrets

Selected dates between 6th January 2026 - 31st March 2026

Come along to Holyrood Park and join this guided walk to learn more about Arthur's Seat's turbulent past, created by fire and ice!

READ MORE
Blood and Guts: The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh’s Medical History - Walking Tour

Blood and Guts: The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh’s Medical History - Walking Tour

Selected dates between 24th January 2026 - 29th November 2026

Join Surgeons' Hall Museums on their 5* weekend walking tour through Edinburgh’s old town and hear tales of old Edinburgh, disease, dissection and curious methods of treatment!

READ MORE
Royal Tea on Britannia

Royal Tea on Britannia

Selected dates between 10th February 2026 - 31st March 2026

Step behind the ropes of the Royal Yacht Britannia for an enhanced guided group tour, featuring an exclusive 'Royal Brow' entrance, State Apartment tours and a delicious tea in the Royal Deck Tearoom!

READ MORE
Palm House Tours

Palm House Tours

Selected dates between 14th February 2026 - 18th April 2026

Don't miss the unique chance to enjoy a rare, behind‑the‑scenes look of the Royal Botanic Garden's Palm House buildings before they reopen to the public!

READ MORE
Edinburgh Forgotten Women

Edinburgh Forgotten Women

Selected dates between 15th February 2026 - 19th July 2026
Various Locations Edinburgh

Join one of the Edinburgh Street Historians' highly skilled and experienced guides on an unforgettable walking tour all about the amazing women of our city's past 1000 years!

READ MORE
Edinburgh Playhouse Backstage Tours

Edinburgh Playhouse Backstage Tours

Selected dates between 28th February 2026 - 22nd March 2026

Take a bow on a stage where the world's greatest artists have performed and hear about the vast artistic history of Edinburgh Playhouse on one of their popular Backstage Tours!

READ MORE
Women in Whisky in the Old Town of Edinburgh

Women in Whisky in the Old Town of Edinburgh

Selected dates between 8th March 2026 - 21st March 2026

Discover the inspiring, hidden history of whisky at The Lost Close with an immersive underground tasting, celebrating the trailblazing women who've shaped the industry!

READ MORE
Collection Centre Tours

Collection Centre Tours

Selected dates between 24th March 2026 - 23rd February 2027

Find out the our collections are used in international research and see objects rarely on public display on a guided tour of the National Museums Collection Centre!

READ MORE

Find other events in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Edinburgh Tartan Parade
Edinburgh Street Historians
The Chocolatarium
Escape The Past
King Pins
MNB
Arc Inspirations
Cancer Research UK
Wonder & Co
Support The Makers
St Mary's Music School
Fayre Play
Ordnance Survey
Edinburgh Dungeon

Popular Events

An Evening With Louis Theroux
Louis Theroux comes to Edinburgh for a rare live appearance at the Festival Theatre, offering audiences the chance to step inside the mind of one of Britain's most distinctive documentary makers!
Maisie Adam: Work in Progress
Straight off the back of the latest season of Taskmaster, Monkey Barrel Comedy welcomes Maisie Adam to the stage with her new work-in-progress show on the 7th and 8th June!
A Play, A Pie and A Pint
A popular feature of the Traverse programme, A Play, A Pie and A Pint, Òran Mór returns this Spring!
Edinburgh Book Fair
Edinburgh Book Fair, Scotland's largest and most prestigious rare book fair, returns to the King's Hall at InterContinental The George Hotel on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st March!
One Day: The Musical
The Royal Lyceum Edinburgh and Melting Pot present the World Premiere of One Day The Musical, a celebration of love, fate, and the moments that define us forever.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall