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Traverse Theatre

We are the Traverse - champion of stories and storytellers. The stories we share are by anyone and for everyone.

Traverse Theatre

About Traverse Theatre

10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh West EH1 2ED
01312281404
Traverse Theatre Website
Facebook information can be found here
Follow traversetheatre on Instagram

Traverse 3 is our new online venue, which will be a permanent space alongside our physical stages of Traverse 1 and 2.

As Scotland’s new writing theatre, the Traverse Theatre is a dynamic centre for performance, experience and discovery. Enabling people across society to access and engage with theatre is our fundamental mission.

Our year-round programme bursts with new stories and live performances that challenge, inform and entertain. We empower artists and audiences to make sense of the world today, providing a safe space to question, learn, empathise and – crucially – encounter different people and experiences. Conversation and the coming together of groups are central to a democratic society, and we champion equal expression and understanding.

We commission, produce and programme for existing and future audiences to offer new and exciting experiences for everyone, and our partnerships with other theatre companies and festivals enable us to present a wide range of innovative performances.

The Traverse would not exist without our over-arching passion for talent development and embracing the unexplored. We work with the newest and rawest talent – with an emphasis on the Scottish-based – nurturing it to become the art, artists and performances that can be seen on our stages through a variety of creative learning and literary programmes.

The timely, powerful stories that start life on our stages have global impact, resulting in dozens of tours, productions and translations. We are critically acclaimed and recognised the world over for our originality and artistic risk, which we hope will create some of the most talked-about plays, productions, directors, writers and actors for years to come.

As a registered Scottish charity (SC002368), we depend on donations to keep our stage doors wide open, to work with schools and community groups, to produce ambitious theatre, to keep ticket prices affordable – and to do more and better for you at our theatre in Edinburgh, sparking creativity throughout the local community and across the globe. Find out how to support our work.


Upcoming Events at Traverse Theatre

Manipulate Festival: The Wood Paths

9th February 2026 - 10th February 2026

Wood Paths is a celebration of humanity’s endless creativity and our desire to understand, to shape, and to find beauty in the mess.

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The Flames

14th February 2026

​​A striking and innovative mix of film, music and performance to explore stories about life after fifty, presenting a fresh look at how we approach ageing.

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Harben Kay Quartet

16th February 2026

Don’t miss this chance to experience Harben Kay and their world-class band live, performing music from The World I Live In and beyond at the Traverse Theatre on Monday 16th February!

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Head. Heart. Hand.

19th February 2026 - 21st February 2026

Head. Heart. Hand. is a powerful new play by Stef Smith, created to mark the 150th anniversary of the institution that is known today as Queen Margaret University (QMU).

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Quilici Tessa

23rd February 2026

Carlos Quilici and Martín Tessa perform an instrumental repertoire that includes works by the main composers of the genre as well as their own compositions.

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Soundhouse: Espen Erilsen Trio

25th February 2026

The Espen Eriksen Trio is one of the most popular piano trios in Europe – not at least in UK and you can catch them at Traverse Theatre on 25th February!

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The Events

27th February 2026 - 28th February 2026

David Greig's modern classic The Events invites audiences at the Traverse Theatre to share in a story about resilience, forgiveness and the extraordinary power of community to heal after tragedy.

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Fairytales ’26 by Tash McPhillips & Jordan S. Daniel

28th February 2026

Join Tash McPhillips and Jordan S. Daniel at the Traverse Theatre for three modern adaptations of classic stories which will taking you back to the dark roots of storytelling!

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A Play, A Pie and A Pint

3rd March 2026 - 4th April 2026

A popular feature of the Traverse programme, A Play, A Pie and A Pint, Òran Mór returns this Spring!

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Class Act Edinburgh Showcase 2026

4th March 2026 - 5th March 2026

The Traverse is delighted to be presenting the Class Act Edinburgh Showcase 2026 on 4th & 5th March!

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Medea

6th March 2026 - 7th March 2026

The award-winning production of this thrilling Greek tragedy returns re-imagined to tour Scotland's stages in 2026, including two nights at the Traverse Theatre in March!

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Soundhouse: Martin Taylor

9th March 2026

Multi-award-winning guitarist Martin Taylor is recognised as the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar playing. Don't miss him at the Traverse Theatre on 9th March!

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A Grain of Sand

10th March 2026 - 12th March 2026

A Grain of Sand is a one-woman show that takes an intimate look at war through the eyes of a child, blending Palestinian folklore with real-life testimonies from children in contemporary Gaza.

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Meursault

14th March 2026

Meursault returns to the capital, this time at Traverse Theatre on Saturday 14th March, with an evening that promises to blend equal parts riotous cacophony and open nerve torch song!

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Saint Joan

18th March 2026 - 21st March 2026

As today's world faces political unrest and war, Saint Joan speaks powerfully to a new generation challenging authority, reminding us of history's unlikely revolutionaries.

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Hannah James & Toby Kuhn

23rd March 2026

If you’re looking for warmth, honesty and musical excellence, look no further than this evening with Hannah James & Toby Kuhn at the Traverse Theatre!

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Kendal Mountain Tour 2026

24th March 2026

Prepare for an unforgettable evening of adventure as the Kendal Mountain Tour 2026 comes to the Traverse Theatre on Tuesday 24th March!

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PASS: Roll With it

25th March 2026 - 26th March 2026

Roll With It is a new coming of age comedy exploring friendship, identity, found family, and most importantly, dragon-slaying.

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PASS: Cyrana

25th March 2026 - 26th March 2026

A bold reimagining of a classic tale, Cyrana tells of the fight to be heard — and the courage to stand tall when the world tries to silence you.

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The Light House

28th March 2026

Tender, funny and defiantly hopeful, The Light House is a real-life love story about holding on to each other, even in the darkest times. It’s a love letter to life.

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Game of Crones

4th April 2026 - 5th April 2026

Funny, feral, and gloriously unapologetic, Game of Crones is a riotous celebration of women in their prime - warriors who will not go gentle into bingo night.

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GUSH

10th April 2026 - 25th April 2026

Exploring self-identity, sexuality and the tension between compromise and sacrifice, GUSH considers what it means to discover what we want and dare to ask for it.

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Soundhouse: Shooglenifty

11th April 2026

Prepare for a spectacular night of genre-bending music as Shooglenifty, the iconic pioneers of 'Acid Croft', come to Traverse Theatre on Saturday 11th April!

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The Horsenecks

13th April 2026

The two multi-instrumentalists bring together their backgrounds in Old Time, early Bluegrass, Gospel and Country music to deliver a sound that is both timeless and fiercely alive.

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What I’m Here For

15th April 2026 - 18th April 2026

What I’m Here For is a fast-moving fusion of new European writing and visual imagination, which explores the tragi-comic collateral of hospitals and human choices.

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Holly Clarke

19th April 2026

Holly Clarke has made a name for herself as a powerful singer and accomplished guitar player. Catch her at the Traverse Theatre on Sunday 19th April!

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Jack Docherty in The Chief - No Apologies

22nd April 2026 - 24th April 2026

Jack Docherty, BAFTA award-winning star of Scot Squad, The Chief, and Absolutely, comes to the Traverse Theatre after packed-out Fringe runs in 2024 & 2025!

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Sylvain Cossette Quintet – Second Cycle

27th April 2026

Experience an unforgettable evening of jazz with the Sylvain Cossette Quintet, a Canadian ensemble that blends elegance, creativity, and pure energy.

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Tomorrow

28th April 2026 - 30th April 2026

Tomorrow is a physical response to the things we struggle to say with words. As the world feels ever more at odds with itself, how do we find our place?

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Shotgunned

29th April 2026 - 30th April 2026

Equal parts hilarious and heart-breaking, Matt Anderson's Shotgunned is a relatable and intimate piece of theatre about how the people we lose can shape who we become.

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QOW TRIO

14th May 2026

QOW TRIO are back with a barnstorming third album and play the Traverse Theatre on Thursday 14th May!

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Leila Navabi: Relay

16th May 2026

Relay is a bold, joyful punk-musical one-person show about making a queer family on your own terms, written and performed by award-nominated comedian, writer and composer Leila Navabi.

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Aspyrian

18th May 2026

Aspyrian are fast gaining a reputation as one of the most ambitious new acts on the UK jazz scene and they play The Traverse Theatre on Monday 18th May!

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Stand & Deliver: The Lee Jeans Sit-in

19th May 2026 - 20th May 2026

Played out to a live 80's soundtrack, this is the true story of the gallus Greenock girls who fought a battle against injustice that thrust them onto the world stage.

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Baby Mash-Up, What On Earth Are You Doing?

22nd May 2026 - 23rd May 2026

Baby Mash-up knows something is wrong and is questioning how we can make sense of ourselves in a time when our private myths and stories no longer feel true!

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Portable Infinity

8th June 2026

Portable Infinity is a dynamic jazz quartet formed by Danish saxophonist Benjamin Koppel, one of Europe's leading jazz artists, don't miss them live at the Traverse Theatre on Monday 8th June!

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Vandalia

15th June 2026

Vandalia brings a fresh, foot-tapping energy to American string-band music, blending soulful harmonies and intricate melodies for a brilliant, forward-looking take on traditional acoustic sounds!

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Ordinary Elephant

27th July 2026

Award-winning folk duo Ordinary Elephant will bring their mesmerising harmonies and brilliant fretwork to life at the Traverse Theatre on Monday 27th July!

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More Theatres in Edinburgh

Innerleithen Memorial Hall

11 Leithen Road, Innerleithen EH44 6HZ

Pictuesque hall set in its own gardens with a rear balcony and excellent facilities for concerts, shows, dances, weddings, sales, meetings etc.

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Summerhall

1 Summerhall , Edinburgh South EH9 1PL

Summerhall, Edinburgh’s biggest arts venue, is open to the public all year round.

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Festival Theatre Edinburgh

13/29 Nicolson Street , Edinburgh South EH8 9FT

The Edinburgh Festival Theatre is a performing arts venue used primarily for performances of opera and ballet, large-scale musical events, and touring groups.

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The Brunton Theatre

The Brunton Theatre Ladywell Way, Musselburgh EH21 6A

The Brunton is the place to be for the best in quality music, theatre, dance, comedy, children's shows and film - all year round.

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Penicuik Town Hall

33 High Street, Penicuik EH26 8HS

Performance & event venue in Penicuik.

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Reconnect Regal Theatre

24-34 North Bridge Street , Bathgate EH48 4PS

The Reconnect Regal Theatre in Bathgate Lothian, Scotland provides a programme of music, drama, film and dance in the form of performances and classes.

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Saint Stephens Theatre Stockbridge

105 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge and Canonmills EH3 5AB

Formerly St Stephen's Church, the building dates back to the 1820s.

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Usher Hall

Usher Hall Lothian Road, Edinburgh West EH1 2EA

The Usher Hall is Edinburgh's key venue for visiting national and international orchestras and has been the main venue for the Edinburgh International Festival since 1947.

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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.

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Edinburgh Playhouse

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

Edinburgh Playhouse is the UK's largest all seated theatre and plays host to some of the biggest names in live music, comedy and musical theatre!

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Lyra

11 Harewood Road , Edinburgh East EH16 4NT

A theatre, studio and foyer designed by artists with young people in the heart of Greater Craigmillar.

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Studio Theatre

The Studio 22 Potterrow, Edinburgh South EH8 9BL

Capital Theatres, Studio Theatre, is an exciting multi-purpose cultural resource for the city.

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All Theatres listings in Edinburgh

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Sponsored Links

DanceIhayami
Escape The Past
Edinburgh University Footlights
Edinburgh University Theatre Company
The Chocolatarium
King Pins
Fayre Play
St Mary's Music School
Wonder & Co
Kids Pass
Macdonald Hotels
Class Bento
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

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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