King's on hold for now

by Nigel Duncan

Bosses of Edinburgh’s popular King’s Theatre have confirmed that the redevelopment project scheduled to start in September 2021 will be temporarily paused.

Capital Theatres, the charitable trust which runs the theatre, as well as others in the capital will now explore the potential of starting the project 12 months later, in September 2022.

The King’s, which was opened in 1906, is an important venue for touring drama, musicals and children’s shows.

It is also home to Scotland’s biggest pantomime production and each year plays a pivotal role in hosting the Edinburgh International Festival.

Dame Joan Stringer, chair, said: “We are responding to unprecedented circumstances.

“Our project board and main B=board met this week during which we considered the impact of the coronavirus on our plans for the King’s redevelopment.

“What is absolutely clear is that we all remain committed to delivering on our plans to redevelop the King’s into a modern venue, celebrating its rich heritage whilst sustaining it for future generations of enjoyment.

“We are, however, realistic and recognise that the current situation will affect our ability to deliver the project in our current timescales.”

She added: “We are now moving into discussions with principal funders the City of Edinburgh Council and the National Heritage Lottery Fund alongside our design team to pause the project.”