Traverse Theatre
We are the Traverse - champion of stories and storytellers. The stories we share are by anyone and for everyone.
About Traverse Theatre
| 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh West EH1 2ED | |
| 01312281404 | |
| Traverse Theatre Website | |
| Follow traversetheatre on Twitter | |
| Facebook information can be found here | |
| Follow traversetheatre on Instagram | |
Traverse 3 is our new online venue, which will be a permanent space alongside our physical stages of Traverse 1 and 2.
As Scotland’s new writing theatre, the Traverse Theatre is a dynamic centre for performance, experience and discovery. Enabling people across society to access and engage with theatre is our fundamental mission.
Our year-round programme bursts with new stories and live performances that challenge, inform and entertain. We empower artists and audiences to make sense of the world today, providing a safe space to question, learn, empathise and – crucially – encounter different people and experiences. Conversation and the coming together of groups are central to a democratic society, and we champion equal expression and understanding.
We commission, produce and programme for existing and future audiences to offer new and exciting experiences for everyone, and our partnerships with other theatre companies and festivals enable us to present a wide range of innovative performances.
The Traverse would not exist without our over-arching passion for talent development and embracing the unexplored. We work with the newest and rawest talent – with an emphasis on the Scottish-based – nurturing it to become the art, artists and performances that can be seen on our stages through a variety of creative learning and literary programmes.
The timely, powerful stories that start life on our stages have global impact, resulting in dozens of tours, productions and translations. We are critically acclaimed and recognised the world over for our originality and artistic risk, which we hope will create some of the most talked-about plays, productions, directors, writers and actors for years to come.
As a registered Scottish charity (SC002368), we depend on donations to keep our stage doors wide open, to work with schools and community groups, to produce ambitious theatre, to keep ticket prices affordable – and to do more and better for you at our theatre in Edinburgh, sparking creativity throughout the local community and across the globe. Find out how to support our work.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.
Upcoming Events at Traverse Theatre
Sam Newbould Quintet
Don't miss the Sam Newbould Quintet, an award winning five piece international line-up emerging from the vibrant Amsterdam jazz scene, at Traverse Theatre on Monday 7th April!
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Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood
Looking For Me Friend is a funny and touching musical tribute to the much-loved and sorely missed national treasure, Victoria Wood! Catch it at the Traverse Theatre in April!
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A Little Inquest Into What We Are All Doing Here
In 2022 a show was cancelled while it was still in rehearsal. A Little Inquest Into What We Are All Doing Here is a show about censorship and freedom of expression.
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Divergence
Divergence is so named because the band seeks to employ non-traditional instruments in traditionally-inspired music and you can hear them at the Traverse Theatre on 3rd May.
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Leveret
Leveret, a unique collaboration between three of England's finest folk musicians, return to The Traverse at part of Edinburgh Tradfest!
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Edinburgh Tradfest: #WorldPlayAStrathspeyDay
Don't miss the unmissable annual #WorldPlayAStrathspeyDay featuring a concert with an outstanding line-up at the Traverse Theatre on Saturday 3rd May!
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Martyn Bennett: The Music Lives On
Join us for this special hour of chat (and the odd tune) in the company of two people who have, in their own ways, made sure that Martyn Bennett’s music lives on.
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Hartwin Trio
Discover a dazzling play of sounds during this concert by the Hartwin Trio as part of Tradfest!
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Lauren MacColl: Half A Lifetime
For this very special Edinburgh Tradfest gig Lauren MacColl plays tunes from her most recent album Haar, along with a delve into the back catalogue.
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Teho.
Teho., a Finnish power-fiddle duo that explodes musical boundaries while having roots deeply in the tradition, play the Traverse Theatre on 5th May as part of Edinburgh Tradfest!
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Edinburgh Tradfest: For The Love of Trees
This year’s special commission at Edinburgh Tradfest is by the legendary harpist, singer and composer Mary Macmaster!
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Morag Brown & Lewis Powell-Reid
Morag Brown and Lewis Powell-Reid play a rich repertoire of instrumental music from Scottish traditions along with many others.
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Edinburgh Tradfest: The Hot Seats
The Hot Seats are returning to Scotland for the first time since the pandemic and they play Edinburgh Tradfest for the first time!
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Edinburgh Tradfest: The Travelling Janes
Led by celebrated Scottish-American jazz vocalist Ali Affleck, The Traveling Janes is an all-women international ensemble. Catch them at the Traverse Theatre on 7th May!
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Beth Malcolm
Glasgow-based folk sensation Beth Malcolm plays the Traverse Theatre on Wednesday 7th May as part of Edinburgh Tradfest!
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Ellie Beaton
Enjoy an hour in the company of Ellie Beaton, this year’s BBC Scotland Young Trad Winner, at the Traverse Theatre on 8th May!
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Seckou Keita
Enjoy uplifting and contemplative music from Seckou Keita, a renowned Kora virtuoso who stands as a luminary amongst African traditional musicians!
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Kathleen Macinnes
Enjoy a super special gig from Kathleen Macinnes, one of Scotland’s national treasures, as part of Edinburgh Tradfest!
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Catherine Maclellan & Lucy Farrell
Though they grew up half a world apart, Catherine Maclellan & Lucy Farrell connect through the quiet brilliance of their songcraft and the warm clarity of their delivery.
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Claire Hastings (Relaxed Performance)
In a new departure for ETF25 we present a very special one hour gig designed to appeal to all ages, from new babies upwards.
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Rhona Stevens & Joseph Peach
Their sound of Rhona Stevens & Joseph Peach is best described as cinematic alt-folk, fusing elements of folk, classical, jazz, indie, electronic and alternative music. It’s unbelievably beautiful.
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Finlay MacDonald Band
The Finlay Macdonald Band has been coming very much to the fore over the past couple of years and you can catch them at the Traverse Theatre on 10th May as part of Tradfest!
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Rebellious Truth 25: Joy Dunlop + Fraser Fifield
The talk by Joy Dunlop will give insight into her own Gaelic journey; from learning Gaelic songs phonetically, to being the face of multi-platform learning brand, SpeakGaelic.
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Pelkkä Poutanen
Don't miss Pelkkä Poutanen, a hypnotic and unique artist known for her distinctive voice and masterful throat-singing techniques, at the Traverse Theatre as part of Tradfest!
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Edinburgh Tradfest: ETF Spotlight
Each year we present a show that will throw a light on some of the most exciting new performers in folk and traditional music today.
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Edinburgh Tradfest: Siobhan Miller Band
Don't miss this rare opportunity to see the Siobhan Miller band in full flight at the Traverse Theatre as part of Tradfest!
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Failure Project
Following her critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Festival, BAFTA nominee Yolanda Mercy returns with her bold new show, Failure Project.
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Benji Waterhouse: You Don’t Have to Be Mad to Work Here - Book Tour 2025
NHS psychiatrist, award-winning comedian, and Sunday Times best-selling author Benji Waterhouse — is going on his first book tour and brings it to the Traverse Theatre on Saturday 17th May!
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The Rheingans Sisters
The Rheingans Sisters, Rowan and Anna, return to the Traverse Theatre on Monday 19th May!
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Blinded By The Light
Writer Sylvia Dow brings her piece Blinded by the Light, a story of survival, of beliefs tested, of spirit and endurance, to the Traverse Theatre on Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st May!
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Mama’s Broke
Catch Mama’s Broke, a powerful folk duo that deliver a compelling performance with heart and raw energy, when they play the Traverse Theatre on Thursday 22nd May!
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Martin Hayes
Martin Hayes is regarded as one of the most significant talents to emerge in the world of Irish traditional music and he plays the Traverse Theatre on Monday 2nd June!
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Every Brilliant Thing
Following a totally sold-out run at the Fringe Every Brilliant Thing, the smash-hit show by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe comes to the Traverse Theatre!
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Firelight Trio
Firelight Trio is a mighty new group playing European music that is evocative, inventive, and endlessly exciting!
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Soundhouse: Sian
Sian comprises three of today’s most exquisitely gifted young Gaelic singers. Catch them live at the Traverse Theatre on Wednesday 11th June!
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Nick Costley-White Quartet
Catch the Nick Costley-White Quartet at the Traverse Theatre on Monday 23rd June!
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An Evening with V.E. Schwab
Join The Portobello Bookshop in welcoming V.E. Schwab to the Traverse Theatre to celebrate the launch of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil.
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Black Hole Sign
Black Hole Sign takes a razor-sharp scalpel to the absurdities, tragedies and hilarity within of one of our most beloved but besieged institutions... the NHS.
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All Theatres listings in Edinburgh
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Reconnect Regal Theatre
The Reconnect Regal Theatre in Bathgate Lothian, Scotland provides a programme of music, drama, film and dance in the form of performances and classes.
READ MORE
The Brunton Theatre
The Brunton is the place to be for the best in quality music, theatre, dance, comedy, children's shows and film - all year round.
READ MORE
The Studio Edinburgh
Capital Theatres have created an exciting multi-purpose cultural resource for the city.
READ MORE
Summerhall
Summerhall, Edinburgh’s biggest arts venue, is open to the public all year round.
READ MORE
Assembly Rooms
The Assembly Rooms are one of Edinburgh City Centre's largest and most impressive multi-purpose unique event spaces, perfect for any occasion from conferences, dinners and performances to exhibitions!
READ MORE
The Pleasance Edinburgh
Pleasance Edinburgh opened as part of the 1985 Festival Fringe with two theatres facing onto a deserted courtyard-come-car-park at an unfashionable eastern...
READ MORE
Assembly Roxy
Assembly Roxy is the year round home of Assembly Festival and Assembly Theatre, situated in the heart of the Old Town in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Leith Theatre
Leith Theatre is on its way to once again becoming a versatile and lively creative hub for Leith.
READ MORE
Lyra Theatre
A theatre, studio and foyer designed by artists with young people in the heart of Greater Craigmillar.
READ MORE
Usher Hall
The Usher Hall is Edinburgh's key venue for visiting national and international orchestras and has been the main venue for the Edinburgh International Festival since 1947.
READ MOREGordon Aikman Lecture Theatre
Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre (formerly George Square Lecture Theatre) is a stand-alone theatre that can seat 481 delegates and features a large reception area with space for catering or bar set up.
READ MORE
Kings Theatre Edinburgh
The King's Theatre is a treasured piece of Edinburgh history and a bustling home to popular stage entertainment, staging quality touring drama, kids' shows and Scotland's No.1 panto.
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