Capital Theatres celebrates history of Kings Theatre with launch of The Peoples Archive
Capital Theatres has today launched The People’s Archive, a digital exhibition that celebrates the rich history and cultural legacy of the King’s Theatre.
Article Source: Capital Theatres
Last Updated: 4 July 2025 11:34
4 July, Edinburgh: Capital Theatres has today launched The People’s Archive, a digital exhibition that celebrates the rich history and cultural legacy of the King’s Theatre.
The People’s Archive offers free online access to a wide selection of archival materials from the King’s Theatre spanning more than a century of history. From today, The People’s Archive is available on Capital Theatres’ website so users can immerse themselves in the history of the King’s Theatre through programmes, photo galleries, playbills, newspaper clippings and oral histories.
Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland, this ambitious heritage project was developed by Capital Theatres to run in conjunction with the major redevelopment of the King’s Theatre, which began in February 2023. Thanks to the dedication and commitment of 15 volunteers, school groups, youth organisations and members of the wider community, the archive has grown into a meaningful record of the people and stories that have helped shape the King’s Theatre. Many of the items have been generously donated by individuals who have performed, worked or simply enjoyed unforgettable productions on the King’s Theatre stage.
To help people explore the catalogue, The People’s Archive will regularly rotate articles, oral histories, object highlights and volunteer-led research. Early features include: a spotlight on individuals involved in the early days of the King’s Theatre, the extraordinary career of Bethia Cassie, who began life as a cleaner and became a lighting technician in 1917, and a deep dive into the bold graphic style of the theatre’s 1960s poster collection.
The People’s Archive also brings to life discoveries made during the King’s redevelopment, such as a remarkable 119-year-old message in a bottle found in December 2024. Dated October 1906, just two months before the King’s Theatre first opened its doors to the public, the bottle contained a list of contractor names.
Since Capital Theatres shared news of the find in February 2024, descendants of the architects, draftsmen and plasterers listed have come forward with their own connections and stories. Among them is Karen Dickey, the great–great-granddaughter of W. S. Cruikshank, the original building contractor. Her link to the past was uncovered through a chance conversation when her husband John, an Edinburgh taxi driver, dropped off a member of the current construction team at the theatre site.
To mark the launch of The People’s Archive, Karen and John were presented with a framed copy of the letter found in the bottle, a symbolic bridge between the past and the present.
The People’s Archive celebrates the collective memory of a much-loved theatre and stands as a testament to the enduring connection between the King’s Theatre and its community.
Abby Pendlebury, Heritage Engagement Manager at Capital Theatres, said:
“The People’s Archive is a digital exploration into over 100 years of history at the King’s Theatre. We are excited to showcase archival materials in a way that is free and accessible for everyone. As a theatre archive, we knew we had an opportunity to be creative by developing a resource that shares our memories while leaving room for creative responses and new interpretations. It has been a privilege to witness first-hand the passion and dedication of our volunteers as they delve deep into the archives to bring their research projects to life. All the memorabilia and catalogued items in our collection tell a story, and we are delighted to be able to share these with everyone."
The People’s Archive, made possible by the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland, is part of Capital Theatres’ ongoing commitment to preserve and promote Edinburgh’s theatre heritage for future generations.
The physical archive, which contains over 2,500 items is hosted at the Edinburgh City Archives.
The People’s Archive can be explored online here: www.capitaltheatres.com/peoples-archive
Image: To mark the launch of The People’s Archive, Karen Dickey, great-great-granddaughter of the original building contractor of the King’s Theatre, was presented with a framed copy of a letter found in a bottle during the redevelopment of the theatre.
Image credit: Greg Macvean
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue
BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.
READ MORE
Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland
Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
Capital Theatres celebrates history of Kings Theatre with launch of The Peoples Archive
Capital Theatres has today launched The People’s Archive, a digital exhibition that celebrates the rich history and cultural legacy of the King’s Theatre.
READ MORE
Mother and Daughter duo crowned ultimate Stitch fans in Edinburgh
A Disney-loving mum and her one-year-old daughter have been crowned Edinburgh’s biggest Stitch fans after winning a competition hosted by Fort Kinnaird.
READ MORE
Dinosaurs roar to life in a Jurassic takeover at Livingston Designer Outlet
Livingston Designer Outlet goes Jurassic crazy this July with lifelike dinosaurs, ranger training and endless photo opportunities for the whole family to enjoy.
READ MORE
Fife & Forth Bridge Steam Train Journey Announced
Departing on Saturday 29th November 2025 at from Edinburgh Waverley, this enchanting lunchtime journey will be led by the iconic 60532 Blue Peter.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Programme
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today announced its programme of screenings and events for its 2025 edition.
READ MORE
GreenFox Energy powers up Party at the Palace with first solar festival stage in Scotland
Party at the Palace will host Scotland’s first solar-powered festival stage, the GreenFox Energy Breakthrough Stage, twinning clean energy and the joy of live music.
READ MORE
Gilded Balloon announce a star studded line up for special 40th anniversary shows
Gilded Balloon has unveiled a huge line-up of comedy stars to take part in a special ‘40 Years of Fringe’ in conversation series, to celebrate the venue’s 40th anniversary.
READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Festival Footprint
Ahead of its programme launch on 2 July, EIFF venues will include Filmhouse, Cameo Cinema, Vue Omni and a new pop-up screen at National Galleries Scotland: National.
READ MORE
New dining chapter begins at Edinburgh restaurant inspired by famous author
One of Edinburgh’s most popular city centre restaurants has started a new dining chapter at its famous Castle Street venue.
READ MORE
Garner Hotels Debuts in Scotland with the Opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh in Haymarket
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) today announces the opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh - Haymarket, a 195-room flagship hotel bringing a fresh energy to the city’s West End.
READ MORE
Edinburgh pupils discover the world of beekeeping with educational day at Fort Kinnaird
Pupils from local Edinburgh primary schools swapped the classroom for beekeeping as they had the chance to visit Fort Kinnaird’s thriving beehives for a day buzzing with educational fun.
READ MORE
Magic of Christmas set to make Edinburgh sparkle this Winter
Edinburgh started to unwrap its annual Christmas present, with the announcement of this year’s festive celebration dates and a first hint of what to expect this year.
READ MORE
Nicola Benedetti brings the Edinburgh International Festival to NHS Hospital with Live Performance
Edinburgh International Festival Director and Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti performed alongside guitarist Plínio Fernandes as part of a series of NHS Festival Sessions.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long
Cineworld has today announced £1 Family Films, running every week from July 25, so that families can be more childish together all summer long.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
How funkiest charity shop in Edinburgh is helping homeless
The Bothy Boutique in central Edinburgh is the retail arm of The Breakfast Bothy, a small grassroots charity supporting people in the community who are experiencing homelessness.
READ MORE
Five star campsite near Edinburgh named best in Scotland
Drummohr Camping and Glamping Site at Musselburgh was named Camping Site of the Year in the 2025 Scottish Hospitality Awards.
READ MORE
Fringe Happening at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
With the Fringe Festival right on the doorstep, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is once again hosting a fantastic array of shows and activities!
READ MORE
Newtongrange Primary School ends academic year on a high with prestigious UNICEF UK Gold Award
Pupils at Newtongrange Primary School have even more reason to celebrate the end of a successful academic year, having just been awarded the UNICEF UK Gold Award.
READ MORE
First Look inside newly refurbished Filmhouse cinema
Edinburgh’s landmark cinema Filmhouse has today revealed images of its new screens and spaces ahead of its public reopening tomorrow Friday 27 June.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Widest ranging exhibition of Italian Renaissance drawings in 50 years to be staged in Edinburgh
Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Titian will be among 45 Italian Renaissance drawings going on display in Scotland for the first time this October.
READ MORE
Inspiring climate action through the Edinburgh Climate Festival
Edinburgh Climate Festival returns on 28th June. A free festival that aims to celebrate & inspirate climate action in our local communities.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
Pret gets ready for Pride with free glow up and goodies
This weekend, in celebration of Edinburgh Pride, Pret A Manger is turning up the sparkle with an in-shop glow-up station!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Fist Look: Inside new Cafe Calton which offers stunning Panoramic views of Edinburgh
Cafe Calton, located at the top of Calton Hill and offering panoramic views of Edinburgh, has opened in Edinburgh.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links