Spotlight shines on the first shows announced for redeveloped Kings Theatre
The King’s Theatre takes a major step forward on the path to reopening following its landmark redevelopment, unveiling some of the first shows set to appear on the iconic Edinburgh stage.
Article Source: Capital Theatres
Last Updated: 19 November 2025 13:27
19 November, Edinburgh: The King’s Theatre takes a major step forward on the path to reopening following its landmark redevelopment, unveiling some of the first shows set to appear on the iconic Edinburgh stage. From acclaimed West End hits to brand-new drama, world class dance and family entertainment, the redeveloped King’s Theatre promises a rich and varied programme for everyone.
The reimagined King’s Theatre will feature improved accessibility for all, redesigned hospitality spaces, a new level stage and upgraded technical facilities, all enhancing the audience experience whilst paving the way for larger, more ambitious productions to visit the theatre.
The newly announced productions feature in the King’s autumn 2026 season, a celebration of courage, spirit and Scotland itself.
Highlights include:
• Operation Mincemeat (2-7 November) the West End and Broadway smash hit and winner of the 2024 Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
• Chariots of Fire (15-19 September) a brand-new stage adaptation of the multi-award-winning film, directed by Roxana Silbert and written by Mike Bartlett.
• Wallace (30 September-3 October) a bold new hip-hop musical written by Rob Drummond with music and lyrics by Dave Hook and produced by Raw Material, exploring one of Scotland’s most legendary figures.
The King’s new level stage opens the door to more dance, including internationally acclaimed choreographer Jasmin Vardimon’s Lullaby (24-26 September), a groundbreaking new piece exploring the emotional highs and lows of human life set against a clinical hospital landscape.
Other upcoming productions include Tony Roper’s beloved washhouse comedy The Steamie (5-10 October), brand-new family musical Toto The Ninja Cat (23-25 October) based on the best-selling children’s books by Dermot O’Leary, joyful new musical Rollers Forever (27-31 October) celebrating the 70s’ biggest boyband, and Crown of Blood (3-6 March 2027), a powerful new Yoruba adaptation of Macbeth.
Edinburgh’s celebrated community companies return to the King’s stage, with the Edinburgh Gilbert & Sullivan Society in sparkling satire Iolanthe (14-17 October) and the Scouts and Girl Guides in the much-loved Gang Show (17-21 November).
The pantomime returns to its spiritual home for the first time since 2021, as fan favourites Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young star in a brand-new production The Adventures of Pinocchio (28 November 2026 to 17 January 2027).
Further announcements will be made about the King’s summer 2026 reopening celebrations. Details of the much-awaited return of Edinburgh International Festival to the King’s will be announced in spring 2026.
Tickets for the King’s autumn 2026 season are available for priority booking by Friends of Capital Theatres from 26 November 11am, with general public sales opening on 3 December. Full details can be found at www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on.
Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive, Capital Theatres, said: “In less than one year, the iconic King’s Theatre stage will burst into life once more with a beautifully curated programme of shows, offering something for everyone. The King’s Theatre has always been known as the People’s Theatre, and we can’t wait throw our doors open wide to welcome back our wonderful audiences.
“Our autumn 2026 season at the King’s is filled with passion, pride and the magic of live performance, from Olympic legends in Chariots of Fire, to the hotly anticipated Operation Mincemeat and a new take on a Scottish legend in Wallace. We are one step closer to hearing the roar of a King’s crowd once more, and I cannot wait to share this unforgettable new chapter with the city of Edinburgh.”
David Cairns, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central East, said: “The announcement of the first shows at the new King’s Theatre marks an important milestone in the return of this vital part of Edinburgh’s cultural landscape. As redevelopment work continues, seeing the programme take shape highlights the value this project brings to the city. Working closely with Capital Theatres, we are applying precision, care and innovation to preserve the building’s heritage while delivering a high-quality modernisation that secures its future for generations to come.”
James Nelmes, Director at Bennetts Associates, said: “After years of dedicated and determined effort from our project team, Bennetts Associates is thrilled to see the transformational redevelopment of the King’s Theatre taking shape as we edge closer to completion. Our design makes optimum use of the spaces inside the original 1906 building and sensitively adapts what already exists. With the stage floor laid, staircases installed and the final colours and finishes beginning to emerge, we are starting to glimpse the magic of what’s to come. Now, all that remains is for the building to welcome back its audience and discover the exciting first new programme. We can’t wait to see this magnificent theatre alive with people once again.”
The King’s Theatre redevelopment project is now over 85% complete, marking major progress toward securing its future as a fully accessible, world-class venue at the heart of Edinburgh’s cultural life.
Since construction began in February 2023, the building has been transformed by dramatic structural improvements, including a raised fly tower (extended by 4.5 metres) to accommodate larger, more ambitious productions, and the replacement of the old, raked stage with a new level stage better suited for genres such as dance and circus.
Accessibility is at the heart of the redevelopment, with a step-free journey from street to seat and stage for the first time in the theatre’s history. Improvements include:
• Two front-of-house lifts serving all levels of the building, plus one back of house serving the stage
• Increased wheelchair spaces, new end of row seats with transfer arms and the addition of some wider seats available in the Stalls
• New accessible toilets and a Changing Places toilet facility open to the public.
Open all day for the first time, the King’s Theatre will offer welcoming new public spaces, including a street-level café, a Creative Engagement Studio for workshops, community projects and events, and a range of heritage displays and artefacts bringing the building’s story to life.
Alongside the physical transformations, the King’s remarkable history is celebrated by The People’s Archive – a digital archive of more than 3,000 items contributed by audiences, performers and staff to ensure the theatre’s rich history continues to inspire many generations to come.
To learn more about the King’s Theatre redevelopment, visit www.capitaltheatres.com/kings-future.
Image: Operation Mincemeat left to right is Chlöe Hart, Seán Carey, Emily Barber, Christian Andrews and Claire-Marie Hall.
Image credit: Matt Crockett.
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