Edinburgh Playhouse
Sections:
1921
History:
The Edinburgh Playhouse was originally built as a super cinema in 1921, and its immense 3,059 capacity makes it one Britain’s largest theatres. The Playhouse’s design was influenced by the enormous Roxy in New York and it was the largest cinema in Scotland, and fourth largest in Britain.
Despite its being designed and built exclusively as a movie theatre, it was equipped with a 42’ deep stage to take the often large scale variety shows that preceded or followed screenings. There was also and extensive backstage area, which included thirty dressing rooms. Other super cinemas in Scotland have been lost, but the Playhouse’s stage was the key to its renovation and survival.
By the 1960’s, the Playhouse’s function as a cinema was finished and the theatre was predominantly a receiving house, hosting numerous major touring productions. The Playhouse has also produced many community projects and in recent years has been a popular music venue with the likes of Girls Aloud, McFly, AC/DC and Metallica having played here.
Contact Details
Edinburgh Playhouse18-22 Greenside Place
Edinburgh
EH1 3AA
For all ticket enquiries call 0871 789 1004
Map
Facilities
Theatre capacity:3,059
Theatre layout:
Seating in the Edinburgh Playhouse is arranged on three levels: stalls, grand circle and upper circle. The stalls are immense, seating over 1,500 people. Because the auditorium was designed for use as a cinema, the high set circles and good rake mean that the top part of the stage is only obscured when a set is higher than usual.
Similarly, the excellent rake in the grand circle ensures a good view of the stage. Again, the back rows may have diffuclty seeing any action at the very top of the proscenium.
The upper circle is very high up and set back. While a steep rake ensures a good view of the stage, this area might not be suitable for those uncomfortable with heights.
Air conditioned:
Yes.
