Traverse Theatre

The Traverse Theatre is a theatre building in central Edinburgh featuring two performance spaces with flexible seating layouts. One space holds about 214 spectators while the other accommodates roughly 115 people and can be reconfigured for different show types.

The theatre was founded in 1963 and began operating in a converted former hostel near James Court. It relocated to Cambridge Street in 1992, allowing for expanded operations and improved facilities.

The theatre programmes new writing year-round and plays a central role during the Edinburgh Festivals, attracting international productions. Visitors encounter contemporary work and experimental approaches to theatre-making when they visit.

The theatre sits on Cambridge Street in the city centre, within easy reach of other locations. The spaces are flexibly arranged, so check beforehand how each venue is configured for the specific production you want to see.

The theatre's name came from a misunderstanding when the founders misinterpreted a staging technique called traverse staging. This accidental confusion ended up shaping the identity of one of Scotland's leading venues for contemporary theatre.

Location: City of Edinburgh

Inception: 1963

Founders: John Calder, John Malcolm, James Haynes, Richard Demarco

Official opening: 1963

Website: http://traverse.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 55.94765,-3.20478

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:51