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

Strange Tales

3rd December 2019 - 23rd December 2019

Filled with intrigue, mysticism, magic, sensuality, and a dash of terror, Strange Tales will draw you into a world full of mischievous fox spirits, yearning ghosts and enchanted swords.

I Can Go Anywhere

7th December 2019 - 21st December 2019

I Can Go Anywhere is a big-hearted call to arms; a Mod anthem to solidarity and acceptance in an increasingly hostile world. See it at the Traverse Theatre this December!

Soundhouse: cua + Mikey Kenney

8th December 2019

Don't miss a very special double-bill at Traverse Bar Café on Sunday 8th December as Soundhouse present cua + Mikey Kenney!

Strange Tales Workshop: Playing With Tales

14th December 2019

Join writer and performer Pauline Lockhart and the team for a workshop which aims to explore the creative process behind creating Strange Tales.

Soundhouse: Dean Owens & The Southeners

16th December 2019

Expect great music, songs, banter and some special guests as Soundhouse present Dean Owens & The Southeners on 16th December at Traverse Bar Café!

MagicFest: Opening Night Christmas Gala:

27th December 2019

Be swept off your feet and experience real wonder at Christmas with the best from the world of magic & mind-reading and the most amazing up and coming local talent!

Comedy Magic Club

28th December 2019 - 29th December 2019

Have your mind blown as you laugh yourself silly with a line up of the funniest, scariest, and freakiest, conjured up for your delight in our magic comedy club!

Kevin Quantum ‘Anti-Gravity’

28th December 2019 - 30th December 2019

Magic Circle Member Kevin Quantum explores the exotic space where science and magic meet. Magic is real. And he’ll prove it to you.

MagicFest: You Are Magic!

28th December 2019 - 30th December 2019

Join the fun as we conjure up a magic show from thin air! Thrilling illusions, spooky mind reading, stunning sleight-of-hand, and death-defying escapes.

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