Traverse Theatre

About Traverse Theatre

The Traverse Theatre began life in 1963 as a theatre club in an abandoned brothel in Edinburgh's Lawnmarket. The theatre is so named because its first Artistic Director, Terry Lane, mistakenly believed that the staging arrangement is called 'traverse'. He later realised that it is 'transverse' but it was already too well known to change it.

In its first year of operation, a theatre conference was organised by director Jim Haynes, John Calder and Kenneth Tynan. Within three years of existence, the tiny theatre club had produced 110 productions, including 28 British premieres and 33 world premieres.

At the end of the 1960s, the Traverse moved to a larger space in Edinburgh's Grassmarket, with flexible seating configurations. The first performance in this venue was on 24 Aug 1969. In its early days the theatre included exhibition space for the visual arts, until 1966 when it was taken away to establish what became the Richard Demarco Gallery.

In 1992, the Traverse moved to its current location at Cambridge Street. A £3.3 million purpose-built two theatre space with bar café was created as part of the Saltire Court development on Castle Terrace. The theatre's first performance at this location was on 3 July 1992.

Upcoming Events at Traverse Theatre

Ulster American

28th July 2018 - 26th August 2018

A confrontational and brutally funny new play by David Ireland (Cyprus Avenue), exploring abuses of power, the confusion of cultural identity and the silencing of the female voice.

Mark Thomas - Check Up: Our NHS at 70

29th July 2018 - 26th August 2018

Comedian Mark Thomas uses his own demise to explore the state of the NHS and what the future might hold for all of us.

Meek

31st July 2018 - 26th August 2018

Presented by Headlong in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Meek is a tale which reflects on our own fraught times.

Coriolanus Vanishes

2nd August 2018 - 26th August 2018

Coriolanus Vanishes is a contemporary tragedy exploring how childhood memories can besiege adult relationships.

On the Exhale

2nd August 2018 - 26th August 2018

Martín Zimmerman’s play is a compulsive and visceral examination of American gun violence and directed by double Fringe First award-winner Christopher Haydon.

Underground Railroad Game

2nd August 2018 - 26th August 2018

Soho Theatre presents... Underground Railroad Game, an R-rated, kaleidoscopic and fearless comedy, at Traverse Theatre in August.

CLASS

2nd August 2018 - 26th August 2018

A parent-teacher meeting goes very wrong in CLASS – a new play about learning difficulties: in school, in life, wherever.

The Greatest Play in the History of the World...

2nd August 2018 - 26th August 2018

Starring Julie Hesmondhalgh (Coronation Street, Broadchurch), The Greatest Play... is squashed full of exquisite observation and heartbreaking beauty.

User Not Found

3rd August 2018 - 26th August 2018

It’s the moment of your death. There’s a magic button. Do you delete your entire online legacy? Or do you keep it – and leave the choice for someone else?

What Girls Are Made Of

3rd August 2018 - 26th August 2018

Performed with a live band, 'What Girls Are Made Of' is the true story of Cora Bissets's journey, celebrating life’s euphoric highs and epic shitstorms.

Nigel Slater’s Toast

7th August 2018 - 26th August 2018

A tale of love, loss...and toast. NigelSlater's TOAST tells his childhood through the tastes and smells he grew up with.

Nests

7th September 2018 - 8th September 2018

Nests is a fairy-tale for Scotland’s Year of Young People that questions how our society treats the young and vulnerable, catch it at the Traverse Theatre in September!

Soundhouse: Amanda Anne Platt and The Honeycutters

10th September 2018

The Soundhouse Organisation is delighted to present Amanda Anne Platt and The Honeycutters at the Traverse Bar Café on 10th September.

A Play, A Pie and A Pint

11th September 2018 - 20th October 2018

A popular feature of the Traverse programme, A Play, A Pie and A Pint, Òran Mór returns with six new plays to light up your lunchtime. Ticket includes a pie and a drink.

Soundhouse: Fara

17th September 2018

Don't miss Fara, four exceptionally talented young musicians for Orkney, at the Traverse Bar Café on 17th September!

Speakin’ Cajun

22nd September 2018

Back after their sell-out show in January, the fabulous Jennifer Ewan Band joins forces with Poetry Circus for another evening of distinctly Cajun moves and grooves at Traverse Theatre.

Soundhouse: MacFarlane and McNeil

24th September 2018

Don't miss a great evening of world class jazz as Soundhouse presents Malcolm MacFarlane and Gordon McNeil at the Traverse Bar Café!

Manpower

26th September 2018 - 27th September 2018

Total Theatre Award-winners Two Destination Language take you on a romp through men, expectations, work and economics in the years since Britain voted to be a part of the European Union.

Scotties

27th September 2018 - 29th September 2018

Theatre Gu Leor presents Scotties, a powerful, new play celebrating the music and languages of Scotland and Ireland.

Doors Open Day tours at the Traverse Theatre

29th September 2018

As part of this year’s Doors Open Day, the Traverse will provide guided tours of our theatre, offering a behind-the-scenes insight into the history and workings of Scotland’s new writing theatre.

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Advertise With Us

Looking to reach new customers? We offer a variety of advertising options with prices starting from just £30 per month!

Click here to find out more »