We came to see Chicago the musical and it was so fun! This venue is gorgeous and every seat had a great view. The inside was ornate and special and the seats were comfy. They had multiple snack and drink bars that were averagely priced - nothing outrageous. The bathroom lines at intermission were organized, with staff trained to keep everyone moving. The show itself was sooo well done and entertaining. There was awesome dancing, singing, acting, and lots of jokes sprinkled throughout for added entertainment. As of last week, you must show a vaccination card at the entrance and wear a mask during the show unless you're eating or drinking. read more

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A really beautiful venue. I went and saw Dynamo here a few weeks back, this was the perfect space and from the upper balcony we could see everything perfectly on the stage. Lines for snacks and the bathroom can be quite long pre show and during intermission. Very easy to navigate within the venue and the architecture is gorgeous. read more

Edinburgh Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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This place shows all the big name musicals and it's great because they always have different ones every one or two months. This place is huge and the seating arrangement like in other theatre cost a different depending on the view. This time I saw Priscilla the Queen of the Desert and sat on M48 and M49, one costing £29 and the other £38. It was on the left side of the theatre and very close to the stage. Though the view was sometimes limited, it was a really good place to sit. When buying tickets, make sure you check online how limited your view will be. The sound in this building is great and rivals other theatres in bigger cities like London and NYC. They have coat check, but didn't use it cause I preferred to just hold on to my jacket. They sold some drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) as well as some snacks like crisps, ice cream, and chocolates. What I don't like about this place is the small concession stand where you can buy drinks and snacks. They do sell ice cream on the side during intermission. I also don't like that they don't make show booklets and give it for free like other theatres. I think they should, but than again the tickets are a bit cheaper here than in other major cities. I normally loose it anyways... Ha! So if you LOVE musicals and you're in Edinburgh, check out this place cause it's where all the great musicals visit the city. If you don't want to pay the extra £4 for processing your tix online and you have time to stop by at the box office, just buy it there! The hours are from 12-6 from Mondays to Saturdays. read more

Edinburgh Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

There is a variety of theatres in Edinburgh and this one is perhaps the most centrally located. There is a huge selection of restaurants, bars and cafes nearby and Waverley station is only two minutes walk. Of all the theatres in Edinburgh, this is probably the fun one. By fun I mean it hosts shows such as Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, High School Musical and We Will Rock You. So you can have some culture without being too serious and experience some of West Ends finest shows in Edinburgh. As Edinburgh is undoubtedly world renowned for its culture (Edinburgh Festival anyone?) there is bound to be a show on here that tickles your fancy. The theatre itself is quite big, if a little cramped and uncomfortable. I took my mum to see Mary Poppins here for her birthday and we were in the very last row with my knees were around my ears. There is the standard refreshments available, which are grossly overpriced. My advice is sneak in some juice and sweets to nibble on in the interval. read more

Edinburgh Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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As the previous reviewers have highlighted, the Playhouse showcases the biggest touring productions, and brings a flavour of London's west end to Scottish soil. It holds over 3000 people, is gloriously ornate inside and has seen a number of big names over the years. Acts as diverse as Metallica and Neil Young have filled the premises with their dulcet tones, not to mention the number of smash hit west end musicals it has seen in its time. From the current Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to Cats, JC and more recently, Wicked, people travel from all over Scotland to see plays, bands, musicals and comedy acts in this hall. Yes the paint may be chipping, the seats slightly frayed and the bar is a bit trodden, but these aspects can be found in most theatres. I don't tend to frequent theatre bars since they're always overpriced and a bit shabby, which is a surprising general rule in my experience (even on Broadway believe it or not!) So I would advise you occupy one of the surrounding bars before the show - they are in plentiful supply. As for paint peeling, I always feel it adds to the charm of a theatre - although perhaps the Playhouse should maybe give it a freshening up as Emily suggested. But I love the Playhouse. You get a great view all around, even from the Gods, and it has come a long way since it was one of the great Scottish picture houses all those years ago. read more

Edinburgh Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

The Playhouse is a high quality venue bringing in some of the biggest musicals touring around the country. There are also regular concerts and similar one-off shows. Some of my favourite memories of the Playhouse involve seeing the stunning Russian State Ballet perform. I believe they return every year, so there's plenty of opportunity to see that beautiful cultural experience as well. Although I'm not a huge fan of musicals, the quality is generally good here. I've seen a couple of shows, and always enjoyed the quality of performance. Nice big selection of seats covering all price ranges, though better student prices would be welcomed. :) read more

Beautiful old theatre with all the fancy cornicing and frilly bits you would expect from the Victorians. As you would also expect from the Victorians there are nowhere near enough ladies toilets so go before you are absolutely desperate as you will be queuing! We had brilliant seats, thanks Santa Claus! and there was enough leg room for us - this might say more about the short legs of the females in our family though! read more

As someone from only just across the pond separating Edinburgh and Fife, if you wanted top class theatre entertainment you would automatically head to the Playhouse. When the playhouse changed hands roughly 5 years ago from LiveNation theatres to ATG big changes happened including even better entertainment! From dance & drama to musical theatre and psychics the playhouse has it all. With the largest auditorium in the UK... People automatically say that if your sitting in the Upper circle (The Gods), the view is atrocious and I'm here to say its not. There is no where in the playhouse which is a dreadful view. Only downsides to this venue would be the staff which are constantly trying to ram merchandise down your throats, and then of course the prices of refreshments at both the bars and kiosks in the foyers. Other than that, its a wonderful theatre bringing the top of UK touring shows to Edinburgh. read more

Due, no doubt, to its being the largest working theatre in the whole of the UK, the Playhouse always has an impressive programme. There are a lot of seats to fill, and there are plenty of other venues in Edinburgh playing to the more adventurous, so there's nothing to criticise about the fact that the Playhouse caters to a popular audience. Large-scale touring musicals (usually from London's West End) are the main bill of fare, with big-name musicians and successful TV comedians forming the bulk of the rest. As you'd expect, it can deal with pretty much any technical requirement. The stage is enormous, and the lighting demands the Playhouse accommodated for the Joe Bonamassa concert last month were pretty jaw-dropping. I think it might have been the most complex rig I've ever seen. The first time I came here (to see "Oliver!" - Samantha Barks was playing Nancy) I was amazed at its apparent application of timelord technology. It looks so weeny from the front, but inside... golly. It just goes on and on. I don't just mean the capacity, but the fact is that the seats in the balcony aren't as steeply raked as many other theatres so the rows are more widely spaced; there was sufficient leg-room even for a giantess of my lengthy proportions. Joy! That does mean, however, that the back row is really quite far back, but the sightlines from just about anywhere in the main auditorium are pretty faultless (even in "restricted view" seats). The only part that seems rather cramped is the foyer; there isn't much room for milling about pre-show. However, the front-of-house staff are all pretty perky; it's a marked contrast with theatres in London, which are peopled for the most part by out-of-work actors and generally have an air of wistful despondence as a result. One parting fact: I read recently that this was originally, when built in 1929, a cinema. A CINEMA. Oh, how I wish that cinemas these days had vaulted ceilings, gilded boxes, noble-featured statues and comfortable velvet seats. And Ambassador (Theatre Group), with zis four-month residency of ze Lion King you are spoiling us. read more

I love the Fringe and seeing up and coming bands and shows so I actually have never been to the Playhouse, until last week and WOW - it's big!! I had seats near the back of the circle and had a full view of the stage but it was far and the actors looked fairly small. In fact, it made me curious what the view would be like from the balcony (next tier up). I had a wander down the side to the front of the circle and looked up - the balcony stretched up for miles! Note to self - don't buy seats up there unless I bring binoculars! (actually you can hire them at your seat for a pound - which may be a necessity in some seats). But, this bigness is not a bad thing. The seats are well tiered - unless you sit behind a giant - your view should be uninterrupted and the big stage means all the top shows can come along to Edinburgh. We saw Priscilla Queen of the Desert which had great sets and effects and these were well handled at the Playhouse. I've just booked tickets for a show nearly a year from now and am very happy that for that I managed to get front row circle. A bit expensive but far cheaper than flying down to London for a show and just as impressive as any London theatre. read more

Edinburgh Playhouse - Very big - balcony goes up for miles - Performing Arts Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

The Drifters - Rebanded Tour 2015 Edinburgh Playhouse 7th June 2015 7.30pm I appreciate the fact that this is not and couldn't possibly be the original Drifters line up, but would it be too much to ask to hire singers with a similar vocal range to those much loved members from the past? Apparently so... The current line up in the franchise harmonise well enough, but when they take lead vocals the songs sound cheapened. It really could be anyone up there. The bloke from your local pub on the karaoke perhaps. For the fairly hefty 30 quid entrance fee I would expect the management to spend a bit more time vetting potential singers to suit past material. The band - polished though they undoubtedly are - provide a backing score that at times sounds like the theme music to a Disney movie. This adds to the lack of authenticity in the overall sound. It all makes for a rather flat, synthetic and dare I say it - soul-less performance. It goes down well enough with the aged audience this show is aimed at, but to call it anything more than a tribute act would be too generous. The gravy train next rolls into Richmond...lucky them! read more

The Playhouse is the theatre in Edinburgh that gets most of the touring West End musicals so the program is usually good. The theatre itself is ok but some things could be better. The sight lines are great from most seats and they clearly state if they aren't. The restricted leg room seats are just about OK for me but I'm only 5ft 2 so don't have that long legs. There aren't enough ladies toilets so you always have to queue and they could do with a refurbishment. The bars are typically theatre bars, expensive with not a lot of choice but there are enough bars close by that you can finish a drink next door 5 minutes or so before curtain up and still make it to your seat in time. read more

The Playhouse is Edinburgh's main musical theatre, where others concentrate on new writing, opera and dance, it is mainly musicals at the Playhouse. Musicals and big stand-ups on tour. Anyway I have been there a few times recently and I have been impressed by the musicals they've been attracting. Avenue Q in particular. The Playhouse is part of the Ambassadors Group and tends to get big West End shows that are on tour around UK. My only complaint is that the sound quality for Spamalot the other night was not so good. There were some problems that meant the clarity particularly of the first few songs was rather impaired. This being a comic musical the words are all important. Its situation is bang in the middle of the gay bars, with straight punters having to walk past Habana and CCs to get to the straighter Theatre Royal Bar. read more

Ah the Playhouse. My work next door neighbour, this late, dual review speaks volumes of my own laziness sometimes... I've been to enjoy shows there a few times this year - two most notable being Shrek (very good) and Spamalot (all other stage shows should bow in awe of its resplendence...) They've got a relatively new, VIP bar upstairs. Nice area, more modern than the rest of the venue. Lots of "theatre luvvies" up there - after multiple visits, I still can't decide if that's good or bad. I mean, they're bloody annoying, and the epitome of supreme pretentiousness. But, they're so amusing to watch swanning about the place like Dickie Attenbrough on heat. Being an older theatrey place, it's got that awesome, Victorian stage vibe when you do get in. Which I love. AV equipment aside, you go in & you know it's barely changed in 150 years. Awesome. You do lose out a bit in comfort - anyone over 5ft 5 will be squished, but I'd still take it over some crabby Vue Cinema and its plastic naffness any day. The shows work well too - I saw the Lion King last year, which if you've seen, is a HUUUUUUUUUGE productions. I never thought it'd work in a million years in a place that size, but it was my best ever stage show experience. Finally being able to belt out Hakuna Matata in my best baritone in public without ridicule may have helped that a bit! Overall - a great place, good shows, you all need to get your arses down there! read more

I've been lucky enough to visit Edinburgh's grand Playhouse on a few different occasions and each and every time I leave feeling that I have had one of the best theatre experiences available. Tickets vary in price depending on what show you want to see, but you can book loads of great last minute deals for not a lot of money. Musicals are a favourite at the Playhouse and having been to one both here and in London's West End, I have to say Edinburgh's Playhouse puts up a great fight and really offers a taste of the West End in Scotland! Nothing beats a night at the theatre and with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby to make a night of it, you will not be disappointed! read more

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The Playhouse is such an east end theatrical legend, having been around since the 1920s to provide Edinburgh citizens with their dramatic fix. The Playhouse used to be a cinema back in the day, but now hosts blockbuster productions, musicals and concerts that come to Edinburgh. This is the place for any major, big, shows that arrive in the capital, and it's a splendidly grand place to watch them too, with the largest capacity for musical performances in the UK apparently. I love going to the Playhouse, as dressing up for the theatre and joining the crowds of people arriving for the show always feels like a really traditional experience, which I think stems from seeing shows throughout my childhood, and getting really excited about going to see a show. The interior of the The Playhouse looks very ornate and imposing, in a good way, and there are the usual bar facilities and a stand at the front entrance, where you can buy chocolate, sweets and popcorn. Personally, I'm always keen for the ice cream you can purchase at the interval, as it just seems like a really traditional, theatre activity to get involved in. read more

Been to The Playhouse on few occassions and I definatley think i will make an effort go so see some more shows! Great location, easy to find your way around in!! I love the old fashioned decor too! Possbily a wee yelp night here sometime in future?! :) read more

Been a good handful or two handfuls of times. So its a familiar place to go and see a musical production or ballet. Toilets are expected to get very busy pre performance, during interval and post performance so be quick or patient! There's a bar, again gets very busy and can take time to get served. Often I feel panic at the end of the performance at sometimes you have to go up steep steps and there are crowds of people left,right and centre of you! Seats are sore after a bit. So stand when you can! I do wish there was extra padding, perhaps I should take a cushion with me!? Its quite a grand theatre - I do like it rather a lot! The staff are always there to help you to your seats too. read more

This is the biggest theatre in Edinburgh and plays host to many brilliant musicals such as Les Miserables, We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia, Blood Brothers, The Phantom of the Opera and many more. To be honest, when you're going to see anything mentioned above, you don't pay much attention to the surroundings. I am a regular to the theatre as I play the violin and am often playing as a stand-in for the orchestra's. Not many people see the orchestra pit - and if I were reviewing it it would be getting 1 star - but to be honest you can always tell the standard of a theatre by the way back-stage is treated. It is nice to look at - the red velvet seats and sweeping gold balconies are very impressive. the bar, however, is a bit run-down and the foyer could do with a lick of paint. As with all theatres, the seats are crammed in - i would thoroughly recommend getting a seat at the aisle or at the front of a row. It suits its purpose as Edinburgh's biggest theatre, but it's no Carnegie Hall read more

There are many theatres in Edinburgh, and without a doubt, this is the most well known of them all. The Playhouse hosts the biggest and best shows all around, recently having Wicked, We Will Rock You and Mama Mia to offer theatre goers across the city. It tends not to offer the smaller, independant shows or less well known shows - but as I mentioned there are lots of other theatres for that. So if all singing, all dancing musical extravaganza's are your thing, this is the theatre you need to keep an eye on - there is always something to go and see. The theatre itself is one of the larger ones in the city, but the Playhouse has crammed as many seats as it can inside the hall meaning that it can get a bit cramped and uncomfotable, but really thats how it is in most theatres. Playhouse can get a bit expensive, but over all I do think it is worth it. read more

Edinburgh Playhouse - From business website - Performing Arts Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I've got some pretty good memories of Edinburgh Playhouse, all of which being from school trips which were more about the banter on the bus than the actual performance. We went to see Shakespeare's 'The Winter's Tale' in 2007 and, whilst the play itself was pretty boring, the venue and the experience as a whole was excellent. We were sitting on the front row of the balcony upstairs, an asset which comes at no extra cost apparantly. This inevitably meant that the people below us were bombarded by an endless volley of half-eaten sweets. Despite this, the theatre has a great sense of occassion, contributed to further by the grandeur of the decor and the detail of its artwork. Although refreshments are very expensive, the service is efficient and they have a good selection of snacks as well as alcoholic and soft drinks. Edinburgh Playhouse is an excellent venue and, whilst it isn't cheap, it shows a good range of performances to suit a variety of tastes. read more

Edinburgh Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Everyone loves a good trip to the theatre, and each time I have been in Edinburgh, I have used the Edinburgh Playhouse. I went a couple of years ago to see 'Fiddler on the Roof', which was very well put together and thoroughly enjoyable in itself. As a theatre, this venue does not disappoint. There's all the little details that help make a trip to the theatre memorable, for me at least. The ornate decoration of the auditorium. The slow dimming of the house lights as the show is about to begin. The safety curtain that only seems to come down in the interval, and is never down before the show, which always confused me. The ice cream sellers in the interval, who serve small tubs of pretty expensive ice cream. The Playhouse has been around in Edinburgh for a long time, and I hope that there are many more years to come at this great venue. Although theatre tickets are not amazingly cheap, it is well worth a visit, if even just for the experience. read more

A nice old-fashioned theatre and a suprisingly good acoustics for a rock band concert. The decor is old fashioned but elegant and the bar service was reasonably good. Getting in and out seemed relatively easy without long waits. I wasn't with any ladies, but if the huge queue for the Gents is anything to go off I would worry about the Ladies too. read more

Although rather shabby nowadays, the Playhouse has a charm that is unrivalled in Edinburgh. The beautiful carvings, detail on the ceilings and the large stage are all beautiful. Old, but beautiful. The seating isn't very comfortable, but no worse than a certain modern theater we also have. Fantastic venue for musicals, not so impressive for music concerts. read more

Went to the show "Jersey Boys" yesterday afternoon. Absolutely terrific, what a show. My era and I knew most of the songs. Had forgotten how many hits The Four Seasons had. We had a great time and the guys and girls on stage were given a standing ovation. Well deserved too. I would recommend this absolutely. Playhouse itself needs more Ladies loos (where doesn't?) and getting out of the theatre if you are anywhere near the front of the stalls is a nightmare. Took about 10/15 minutes - just as well we had the choice of later trains. read more

Having visited the edinburgh playhouse on several occassions for everything from pantomimes to music concerts I can honestly say that the place plays a great host to everything shown or held in it. The surroundings are great and the seating comfortable and really the only problem with the place is the prices of food and drink inside. The traffic can get horendous and I would suggest arriving by train and getting taxis to the venue because driving and parking can become a real nightmare, but however you get there I urge you to catch a play or a gig at the playhouse at some point because it really is a great place to visit. read more

I really like the Playhouse but it is at it's best when it is housing a really big musical, gig or stand-up comedian. It is such a huge space that smaller productions just get lost and it can be a bit embarrassing sitting watching people sing and dance their hearts out in front of a 3/4 empty audience. But when it is full the energy is immense. I went to see Chris Rock there this year and it was amazing. Ross Noble is fab here too and I have seen Les Mis, Grease and many others over the years. It isn't so good for music - I am not sure how good the acoustics are for bands but I would recommend going to see one of the big touring musicals here, and getting an ice-cream at the interval (althought they are very pricy!) read more

The Playhouse, just situated across from Prince's Street on Leith Walk, is an absolutely fantastic place. The building itself is superbly designed with eye fetching decor and well furnished. The Playhouse offers a variety of shows, which change frequently, providing something to suit everybody's tastes. The show's are usually of the highest quality and the acting believable. The staff are friendly, well informed and usually listen well to requests. However, regrettably, the prices are rather expensive even with student deals on offer. Although the wide variety of shows along with the quality of their production makes it very much so worthwhile. If ever in Edinburgh, certainly something worth checking out. read more

I think rating the playhouse totally depends on the show you've been to . I went there twice , it really is special and it has the this elegant look to it inside out (i really am into old stuff it always makes me think about how it was years ago and how people dressed differently). It isn't so big but its size is perfect so everyone can get a good view. today they had totally blonde and i was surprised how good the show was! I think because i compared it to the crapy movie ! the first time i went to the play house was to see a flamenco show and it was great :) I like their website booking , you get to choose your seats and everything :) Parking might be an issue though especially in the fringe or in the weekends read more

The Playhouse is a lovely building. Easy access whether going there by car or bus. They have a very varied programme all year round, from musicals, to dancers to plays. Was taken here last year to see Beauty and the Beast, and it was an amazing show. It can be a bit tightly packed and if you are small and have someone tall sitting in front of you, then you can struggle to see at times. read more

This is a gorgeous theatre at the east end of town. There are parking spaces on the street at London Road, but there isnt a specific car park for here. The decor in the Playhouse is gorgeous, and the place is absolutely massive. You get a good view of the shows from whearever you are sitting, but the stalls are the best place, especially if you get somewhere near the front. They have shows on all year, and have been showing some fantastic shows recently Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins etc. The food and drink is rather expensive in the place, so you are best to take in your own, but i'm sure the prices are the same as most theatres. read more

The Playhouse these days tends to be mostly used for touring musicals which is a bit of a shame. I took my niece to see High School Musical there earlier this year and it was a great experience for her, but this is the same place I saw the Velvet Underground play during their famed reunion tour some 15 years ago. Sublime to ridiculous anyone? It's an old fashioned theatre, with good acoustics and a great view where ever you are seated. I just feel Edinburgh lacks good sized venues for gigs, and the Playhouse could fill that gap. However I realise there is a big market for touring musicals, as I found with the previously mentioned HSM production - getting a ticket wasn't easy. read more

The playhouse is in desperate need of a refurbishment, however it is still a great place to go to see theater shows or musicals visiting Edinburgh. It is quite old fashioned and has very uncomfy seats with not a lot of leg room and if you get someone in front of you who is taller than you, it's difficult to see. Prices vary depending on where you wan to sit but I would recommend paying a little more for a good seat otherwise you are too far away to see or stuck behind a pillar. There is food and drink available but it tends to be a it pricey. The lady selling ice cream comes around at break time which is a great novelty. read more

Wow!! 'We Will Rock You' was amazing!!!! The first time we have been to this venue and we will definetly be back for sure. The only reason i have removed 1 star was the fact that we have a tall lady in front of us in the stalls which made seeing all of the stage tricky, the wine was difficult to obtain/carry down the stairs open?? and finally it was uncomfortably hot although only towards the end of the evening which did not concern us as the night was fabulous!!! Congratulations on an amazing performance!! Cheers J read more

Watched Wicked here last night and it was fantastic. We were seated in the stalls (Row X) and the view was good and there was plenty of legroom (other Edinburgh theatres are too cranked to be enjoyable!). The stage is good, acoustics are great and the bars are good. Always a massive queue to the ladies, so be prepared! Soft drinks cost £2 a pop, cocktails £7+, not sure about the cost of treats. Definitely worth a visit. read more

I have seen some great shows here. You can see well from most places but you really do have to pay to be up front. You don't get much leg room either. I'm only 5'2 and feel cramped there! read more

The Grande Dame of Edinburgh, this is how a theatre should be. The Playhouse is grand, elegant, sumptuous and classy- just the thing to inspire you to be a bit cultural. The line-ups tend to be the usual West End plays, but this is sometimes broken up by music gigs and a variety of dance performances during the festival. The acoustics are phenomenal considering the size and age of the venue, and most seats tend to have a decent view. Beware of the pillars and the slightly uncomfortable seats, together with the extortionate drinks prices, but despite these small flaws a night out at the Playhouse is an experience regardless of the quality of the show. An Edinburgh institution. read more

Originally opened in 1912 as a cinema. A good place to see a show. Wether it be annual event, work night out, or just go with friends. There is also a friendly ghost in here lives behind the stalls area. His name is Albert. read more

This review will be short. Great old theatre which I love. However Do not buy a drink. £9.00 ( yes £9.00) for a glass of wine!! I know they need to make money but come on!! read more

A great treat, my first outing there was to see aha as a teenager me and husband Go on nights out often read more