Theatre Royal, Edinburgh

The Theatre Royal was a performance venue that existed at two locations in Edinburgh: first at Shakespeare Square and later on Broughton Street. The second building was designed by architect Charles Phipps and functioned as both a theater for productions and a costume production facility.

The original Theatre Royal opened in December 1769 under the management of David Ross and operated as the city's cultural venue for approximately 90 years. After the first location closed, the theater relocated to Broughton Street where it resumed operations under new management.

The venue attracted performers from across Britain and hosted a wide range of productions, from classical dramas to variety shows that drew audiences from different walks of life. It served as a central gathering place where Edinburgh's theatergoers could experience entertainment reflecting the tastes of the era.

The location sits in central Edinburgh and is easily accessible, making the site straightforward to explore for visitors. Since this is a former building, there may be restrictions on access or viewing, so check current site information before planning a visit.

The building was struck by multiple devastating fires throughout its history that damaged the structure and affected operations. These recurring fires ultimately led to permanent closure after World War II when rebuilding materials were scarce.

Location: City of Edinburgh

Address: Broughton Street (corner of Leith Walk), Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland

GPS coordinates: 55.95300,-3.19000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:25