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The Britannia Panopticon is generally open Thursdays through Saturdays from 12pm to 4pm. Check with venue for special events and restrictions.
Join us for our Theatre Tours with our in-house expert guide who’ll guide you through the theatre’s 252-year-old history – from the origin of its beautiful Georgian design, to tales of the myriad first-class actors who have trod our boards over the years.
Explore the recent developments to our building: the new front of house foyer space, studio theatre, and our long-awaited heritage offer. Also enjoy the classic elements of the building that have kept this theatre running for over 250 years, such as: access to the historic auditorium, backstage areas, and for the first time as part of our tours, the Thunder Run.
The perfect morning outing for anyone interested in theatre and Bristol Old Vic’s rich history.
Tours generally start at 10:30am and last one hour. Tickets £12 (£10 concessions).
Hour-long building tours will highlight the history and heritage of our building and showcase the theatre’s connections with a host of global entertainers. Tours run at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm.
Intergenerational dance workshops where visitors can learn dances from across the globe – the vibrant Brazilian Samba, the timeless English Waltz through to jumpin’ jive from America and the dance of the Spanish matador, the Paso Doble. 11:30am-Midday and 1:30pm-2pm.
Musical storytelling workshops where participants will engage with storytelling and song in multiple languages. Working together with professional performance artists they will be create original lyrics to a new composition and explore the different styles of staging possible on the largest stage in Scotland. All ages and abilities will be welcome. Midday-12:30pm and 2pm-2:30pm.
The Vintage Chorus, our theatre choir, will be singing a medley of songs on a global theme, 1:30pm-2:30pm.
All events are free but advance booking is essential. Click here 
to book tickets.
Join us for our Theatre Tours with our in-house expert guide who’ll guide you through the theatre’s 252-year-old history – from the origin of its beautiful Georgian design, to tales of the myriad first-class actors who have trod our boards over the years.
Explore the recent developments to our building: the new front of house foyer space, studio theatre, and our long-awaited heritage offer. Also enjoy the classic elements of the building that have kept this theatre running for over 250 years, such as: access to the historic auditorium, backstage areas, and for the first time as part of our tours, the Thunder Run.
The perfect morning outing for anyone interested in theatre and Bristol Old Vic’s rich history.
Tours generally start at 10:30am and last one hour. Tickets £12 (£10 concessions).
We will provide several building tours throughout the day that will highlight the history and heritage of our building and showcase the theatre’s connections with a host of global entertainers, including Anna Pavlova, Dame Margot Fontaine, Maria Callas, Juliette Binoche and Dame Maggie Smith. Tour times: 10:30am; 12:30pm; 2:30pm.
We will offer two intergenerational dance workshops where young people can join in with their grown ups to learn dances from across the globe – the vibrant Brazilian Samba, the timeless English Waltz through to jumpin’ jive from America and the dance of the spanish matador, the Paso Doble. 11:30am, 1:30pm.
We will also run two workshops exploring the global origins of pantomime. Participants will be introduced to the archetypal characters and rhythms that are clearly recognizable when watching the dame, the prince and the villain, whilst creating a new finale song to stage. All ages and abilities will be welcome. Midday, 2pm.
The Edinburgh Gang Show will do a lunchtime performance, Midday to 1pm.
All events are free but advance booking is essential. Click here to book tickets.
Featuring a Tony Award-winning performance from host of the The Late Late Show, James Corden, the hilarious West End and Broadway hit One Man, Two Guvnors returns to theatres and cinemas to mark National Theatre Live’s 10th birthday.
Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe, a small time East End hood, now in Brighton to collect £6,000 from his fiancée’s dad. But Roscoe is really his sister Rachel posing as her own dead brother, who’s been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers.
Holed up at The Cricketers’ Arms, the permanently ravenous Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a second job with one Stanley Stubbers, who is hiding from the police and waiting to be re-united with Rachel. To prevent discovery, Francis must keep his two guvnors apart. Simple.
Running time (approx.): 3 hours 30 minutes. Age: 12A.
Join us for our Theatre Tours with our in-house expert guide who’ll guide you through the theatre’s 252-year-old history – from the origin of its beautiful Georgian design, to tales of the myriad first-class actors who have trod our boards over the years.
Explore the recent developments to our building: the new front of house foyer space, studio theatre, and our long-awaited heritage offer. Also enjoy the classic elements of the building that have kept this theatre running for over 250 years, such as: access to the historic auditorium, backstage areas, and for the first time as part of our tours, the Thunder Run.
The perfect morning outing for anyone interested in theatre and Bristol Old Vic’s rich history.
Tours generally start at 10:30am and last one hour. Tickets £12 (£10 concessions).
Did you know that the Festival Theatre is situated on Edinburgh’s longest continuous theatre site? Or that it was once a Bingo hall? Want to stand on stage and feel like a star?
This backstage tour is a great chance to go behind the scenes; see the workings of the theatre and walk down memory lane as we chat through the theatre’s interesting history. Refreshments are included.
Tickets £10 (Friends £8). Approximate running time: 2 hours.
Did you know that the King’s Theatre opened in 1906 with the pantomime Cinderella? Or that it has a stream running right underneath? Want to stand on stage and feel like a star?
This backstage tour is a great chance to go behind the scenes; see the workings of the theatre and walk down memory lane as we chat through the theatre’s interesting history. Refreshments are included.
Tickets £10 (Friends £8). Approximate running time: 2 hours.
Join us for our Theatre Tours with our in-house expert guide who’ll guide you through the theatre’s 252-year-old history – from the origin of its beautiful Georgian design, to tales of the myriad first-class actors who have trod our boards over the years.
Explore the recent developments to our building: the new front of house foyer space, studio theatre, and our long-awaited heritage offer. Also enjoy the classic elements of the building that have kept this theatre running for over 250 years, such as: access to the historic auditorium, backstage areas, and for the first time as part of our tours, the Thunder Run.
The perfect morning outing for anyone interested in theatre and Bristol Old Vic’s rich history.
Tours generally start at 10:30am and last one hour. Tickets £12 (£10 concessions).
Join us as we throw open our doors and welcome you for a free, fun family day out inspired by our Christmas show, An Edinburgh Christmas Carol.
Featuring a range of activities for both adults and children, there’s plenty to get involved in. Get creative with some themed craft activities, explore our beautiful building on a guided backstage tour or transform yourself into a character by trying on some of our most extravagant costumes. There’s even the chance to WIN a family ticket to a selected performance of An Edinburgh Christmas Carol when you take part in our ever popular treasure hunt!
All activities are free to attend and most are open on a drop-in basis. Backstage tours have limited capacity and require a ticket. Booking for these events will open mid-September and we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
Join us for our Theatre Tours with our in-house expert guide who’ll guide you through the theatre’s 252-year-old history – from the origin of its beautiful Georgian design, to tales of the myriad first-class actors who have trod our boards over the years.
Explore the recent developments to our building: the new front of house foyer space, studio theatre, and our long-awaited heritage offer. Also enjoy the classic elements of the building that have kept this theatre running for over 250 years, such as: access to the historic auditorium, backstage areas, and for the first time as part of our tours, the Thunder Run.
The perfect morning outing for anyone interested in theatre and Bristol Old Vic’s rich history.
Tours generally start at 10:30am and last one hour. Tickets £12 (£10 concessions).
Join us for our Theatre Tours with our in-house expert guide who’ll guide you through the theatre’s 252-year-old history – from the origin of its beautiful Georgian design, to tales of the myriad first-class actors who have trod our boards over the years.
Explore the recent developments to our building: the new front of house foyer space, studio theatre, and our long-awaited heritage offer. Also enjoy the classic elements of the building that have kept this theatre running for over 250 years, such as: access to the historic auditorium, backstage areas, and for the first time as part of our tours, the Thunder Run.
The perfect morning outing for anyone interested in theatre and Bristol Old Vic’s rich history.
Tours generally start at 10:30am and last one hour. Tickets £12 (£10 concessions).
Join us for our Theatre Tours with our in-house expert guide who’ll guide you through the theatre’s 252-year-old history – from the origin of its beautiful Georgian design, to tales of the myriad first-class actors who have trod our boards over the years.
Explore the recent developments to our building: the new front of house foyer space, studio theatre, and our long-awaited heritage offer. Also enjoy the classic elements of the building that have kept this theatre running for over 250 years, such as: access to the historic auditorium, backstage areas, and for the first time as part of our tours, the Thunder Run.
The perfect morning outing for anyone interested in theatre and Bristol Old Vic’s rich history.
Tours generally start at 10:30am and last one hour. Tickets £12 (£10 concessions).
Join us for our Theatre Tours with our in-house expert guide who’ll guide you through the theatre’s 252-year-old history – from the origin of its beautiful Georgian design, to tales of the myriad first-class actors who have trod our boards over the years.
Explore the recent developments to our building: the new front of house foyer space, studio theatre, and our long-awaited heritage offer. Also enjoy the classic elements of the building that have kept this theatre running for over 250 years, such as: access to the historic auditorium, backstage areas, and for the first time as part of our tours, the Thunder Run.
The perfect morning outing for anyone interested in theatre and Bristol Old Vic’s rich history.
Tours generally start at 10:30am and last one hour. Tickets £12 (£10 concessions).
Did you know that the Festival Theatre is situated on Edinburgh’s longest continuous theatre site? Or that it was once a Bingo hall? Want to stand on stage and feel like a star?
This backstage tour is a great chance to go behind the scenes; see the workings of the theatre and walk down memory lane as we chat through the theatre’s interesting history. Refreshments are included.
Tickets £10 (Friends £8). Approximate running time: 2 hours.
Did you know that the King’s Theatre opened in 1906 with the pantomime Cinderella? Or that it has a stream running right underneath? Want to stand on stage and feel like a star?
This backstage tour is a great chance to go behind the scenes; see the workings of the theatre and walk down memory lane as we chat through the theatre’s interesting history. Refreshments are included.
Tickets £10 (Friends £8). Approximate running time: 2 hours.
Join us for our Theatre Tours with our in-house expert guide who’ll guide you through the theatre’s 252-year-old history – from the origin of its beautiful Georgian design, to tales of the myriad first-class actors who have trod our boards over the years.
Explore the recent developments to our building: the new front of house foyer space, studio theatre, and our long-awaited heritage offer. Also enjoy the classic elements of the building that have kept this theatre running for over 250 years, such as: access to the historic auditorium, backstage areas, and for the first time as part of our tours, the Thunder Run.
The perfect morning outing for anyone interested in theatre and Bristol Old Vic’s rich history.
Tours generally start at 10:30am and last one hour. Tickets £12 (£10 concessions).
Join us for our Theatre Tours with our in-house expert guide who’ll guide you through the theatre’s 252-year-old history – from the origin of its beautiful Georgian design, to tales of the myriad first-class actors who have trod our boards over the years.
Explore the recent developments to our building: the new front of house foyer space, studio theatre, and our long-awaited heritage offer. Also enjoy the classic elements of the building that have kept this theatre running for over 250 years, such as: access to the historic auditorium, backstage areas, and for the first time as part of our tours, the Thunder Run.
The perfect morning outing for anyone interested in theatre and Bristol Old Vic’s rich history.
Tours generally start at 10:30am and last one hour. Tickets £12 (£10 concessions).
Join us for our Theatre Tours with our in-house expert guide who’ll guide you through the theatre’s 252-year-old history – from the origin of its beautiful Georgian design, to tales of the myriad first-class actors who have trod our boards over the years.
Explore the recent developments to our building: the new front of house foyer space, studio theatre, and our long-awaited heritage offer. Also enjoy the classic elements of the building that have kept this theatre running for over 250 years, such as: access to the historic auditorium, backstage areas, and for the first time as part of our tours, the Thunder Run.
The perfect morning outing for anyone interested in theatre and Bristol Old Vic’s rich history.
Tours generally start at 10:30am and last one hour. Tickets £12 (£10 concessions).
Join us for our Theatre Tours with our in-house expert guide who’ll guide you through the theatre’s 252-year-old history – from the origin of its beautiful Georgian design, to tales of the myriad first-class actors who have trod our boards over the years.
Explore the recent developments to our building: the new front of house foyer space, studio theatre, and our long-awaited heritage offer. Also enjoy the classic elements of the building that have kept this theatre running for over 250 years, such as: access to the historic auditorium, backstage areas, and for the first time as part of our tours, the Thunder Run.
The perfect morning outing for anyone interested in theatre and Bristol Old Vic’s rich history.
Tours generally start at 10:30am and last one hour. Tickets £12 (£10 concessions).
Join us for our Theatre Tours with our in-house expert guide who’ll guide you through the theatre’s 252-year-old history – from the origin of its beautiful Georgian design, to tales of the myriad first-class actors who have trod our boards over the years.
Explore the recent developments to our building: the new front of house foyer space, studio theatre, and our long-awaited heritage offer. Also enjoy the classic elements of the building that have kept this theatre running for over 250 years, such as: access to the historic auditorium, backstage areas, and for the first time as part of our tours, the Thunder Run.
The perfect morning outing for anyone interested in theatre and Bristol Old Vic’s rich history.
Tours generally start at 10:30am and last one hour. Tickets £12 (£10 concessions).
** THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED **
Did you know that the Festival Theatre is situated on Edinburgh’s longest continuous theatre site? Or that it was once a Bingo hall? Want to stand on stage and feel like a star?
This backstage tour is a great chance to go behind the scenes; see the workings of the theatre and walk down memory lane as we chat through the theatre’s interesting history. Refreshments are included.
Tickets £10 (Friends £8). Approximate running time: 2 hours.
“An installation of empty seats to celebrate theatre, the artists who make it, and its missing audiences”.
The #TakeASeat project has been created by Scotland-based set, costume, lighting and sound designers and production managers. They have used their creative skills to make the new installation which is designed to engage and inspire the audiences they are missing.
The installation will remain in place from Thursday 24 September to Saturday 3 October 2020 and can be viewed by the public from the outside only. At the curtain-up times of the show which should have been playing at the theatre – if Covid-19 hadn’t come along – the installation will get additional sound and light, creating a dynamic show for any audience who are on the pavement outside.
Southern Light welcomes you to a night of toe-tapping musical entertainment in the Festival Theatre, in aid of the King’s Theatre Redevelopment Campaign.
Edinburgh’s longest established musical theatre company starts its 125th season by bringing you a selection of well loved numbers from its previous shows.
Please Note: This project is in support of the King’s Theatre, which has been Southern Light’s home since 1925, but takes place at the Festival Theatre.
Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th September at 7:30pm nightly with a Saturday Matinee at 2:30pm. Tickets £23.
This one hour tour of the building explores all areas, including the understage, backstage, and many other secret areas never seen on a normal visit.
Your tour guide will reveal the theatre’s fascinating history, and highlight tales of its stars, its shows and even its ghosts.
Tours cost £7.5. Duration 1 hour. Maximum of 25 people per tour.
Visitors with restricted mobility will have limited access as the tour includes lots of steps. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
This one hour tour of the building explores all areas, including the understage, backstage, and many other secret areas never seen on a normal visit.
Your tour guide will reveal the theatre’s fascinating history, and highlight tales of its stars, its shows and even its ghosts.
Tours cost £7.5. Duration 1 hour. Maximum of 25 people per tour.
Visitors with restricted mobility will have limited access as the tour includes lots of steps. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Photographs copyright © 2002-2024 Mike Hume / Historic Theatre Photos unless otherwise noted.
Text copyright © 2017-2024 Mike Hume / Historic Theatre Photos.
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