It’s no secret that Edinburgh is a unique city that literally ‘breathes’ creativity. It’s why so many truly talented people have emerged from here, realising their potential in various fields. One of these, of course, is the theatrical arts. Find out more on edinburgh-trend.
It must be said that Edinburgh has many theatres, each with its own incredible story. The city’s creative life is itself shrouded in countless mysteries and fascinating facts. When these stories delve into the past, they take on a completely different character, a point with which it’s hard to disagree.
In this article, you can get to know one of Edinburgh’s most famous theatres. Its history began way back in 1962. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy fascinating plays there, both classic and contemporary. And in August, the venue transforms into a true festival hub.
Specifically, it showcases productions for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, formerly known as the Imaginate Festival.
As you may have already guessed, we are talking about The Traverse Theatre. So, make yourself comfortable and let’s delve into the unique history of this place.
How It All Began
We should start by saying that this famous institution was originally established as a Theatre Club. It appeared in 1962, thanks to the Cambridge Footlights revue club. Interestingly, the venue was named “The Sphinx Nightclub”. This was a nod to the fact that the club was housed in a former brothel.
According to descriptions that have survived to this day, it was a long room on the first floor with a very low ceiling. It contained sixty chairs (borrowed from the Palace Cinema) and, of course, a stage.
The club’s first premiere took place on 2nd January 1963, when the audience watched a production of Fernando Arrabal’s Orison.
Sudden News
However, in the spring of 1969, many were surprised by sudden news. A surveyor’s report had deemed the building unsafe. As a result, this beloved spot for theatre fans had to change its location.
Fortunately, the search for a new home did not take long, so the forced ‘creative pause’ was barely noticeable to the audience.
The club relocated to what was once a sailmaker’s loft in the eastern part of the Grassmarket.
The first play was performed there on 24th August 1969.
The Final Move
1992 marked another move for the theatre, this time into a purpose-built home. The first performance in the new space took place on 3rd July 1992.
Interestingly, the new theatre premises consist of two spaces.
The first is a spacious auditorium. The seating is flexible and can be easily moved to create various configurations (such as in-the-round or traverse), allowing the audience to be seated in the most convenient and compact way possible. This is particularly useful when the theatre is preparing a special production that requires changes to both the auditorium and the stage.
The second auditorium is much smaller, with a capacity of just 115 people.
Setting the Standard
Like any organisation, the theatre had an initial founding goal. Back in 1962, The Traverse Theatre was opened to keep the spirit of the Edinburgh festivals alive all year round.
It must be said, the theatre’s creators succeeded in realising their dream. Now, when Edinburgh transforms into one enormous festival hub in August, The Traverse Theatre presents numerous new works to its audience.
It is perhaps for this reason that the theatre earned the informal nickname of ‘a year-round Fringe venue’. This comparison perfectly describes The Traverse Theatre’s current status as an integral part of Edinburgh’s creative life.
This is confirmed by a concise yet powerful statement about The Traverse Theatre from the renowned theatre critic Lyn Gardner.
In her words, the venue’s programme is “the theatrical backbone of the Edinburgh Fringe”. Lyn explained this by saying that the productions staged at The Traverse Theatre very often set the tone for other Edinburgh theatres.
You’ll agree, any creative institution would be proud of such a status. In this respect, The Traverse Theatre is truly fortunate.
Thus, The Traverse Theatre is one of those Edinburgh landmarks that stands as a vital and valuable part of the city’s theatrical life. As mentioned earlier, it is this institution that, thanks to its brilliant productions, often sets the tone for other theatres. This only enhances the prestige and authority of The Traverse Theatre. Proof of this can be found in the numerous reviews from famous critics, who largely agree that the skill and professionalism of The Traverse Theatre can rightly be called one of the most valuable assets of Edinburgh’s arts scene.
