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.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact. We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Traverse Theatre are accurate, please contact us at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk if any of the above information is incorrect.

Upcoming Events at Traverse Theatre

Once You See The Smoke - POSTPONED

10th July 2020 - 11th July 2020

Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh West

Join the Scottish Youth Theatre's National Ensemble as they take on the greatest challenge of our time - climate change - in a new touring production, Once You See the Smoke.
Read more

More Live Music Venues in Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

All Live Music Venues listings in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Venues