Monday July 20th 2026
Members of Capital Theatres' dementia friendly community bottle up their hopes for the future of the King's Theatre (photo: Gus Harrower)
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
With less than two weeks until the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh reopens following its major redevelopment, hundreds of people have shared what the historic venue means to them through the Hope in a Bottle storytelling project.
While many reflected on treasured memories, the strongest message was one of optimism, with people celebrating the theatre’s future as well as its past.
Over 550 people responded to an invitation from Capital Theatres, the charity that manages the King’s Theatre, to share their reflections on the Tollcross venue. Together, their stories reveal a theatre that is loved not simply for the performances it has hosted, but for the role it continues to play in people’s lives.
More than four in ten contributors said their greatest wish is to see the King’s continue to thrive for future generations, making it the most common theme across every submission.
The stories also reveal the emotional bond people have with the theatre. Nearly four in ten people described the King’s as a place of magic, joy, laughter, comfort and escape, while many others shared memories of family traditions stretching across generations – from childhood visits with parents and grandparents to bringing their own children through the theatre’s doors.
Almost a quarter of contributors spoke about wanting to act, sing, dance, write, work backstage or one day perform on the King’s famous stage, showing that the theatre is inspiring the next generation of Scottish artists.
While productions spanning decades were fondly remembered, one tradition stood out from the rest. Almost a quarter of responses celebrated the King’s legendary Christmas pantomime, underlining its place as one of Edinburgh’s enduring festive rituals. Panto returns to the King’s Theatre in November 2026 with Pinocchio, starring panto favourites Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young.
Alongside these memories, contributors also shared hopes for a theatre that is welcoming to everyone, calling for affordable tickets, excellent accessibility and an experience that future generations can enjoy for decades to come.
Hope in a Bottle at Dalry Primary School
Upon reopening, the King’s Theatre will be one of the most accessible heritage venues in the UK, with lifts serving all floors and a level journey from street to seat or stage.
Selected stories collected through the project will be featured online, displayed in the theatre or included as part of the King’s reopening celebrations in August. Capital Theatres is working with theatre company Slung Low to develop the King’s reopening celebrations.
Some of the highlights from the messages submitted include:
– Me and my great, great granny used to come when I was little and I will never forget her smile when we would make our one theatre trip a year to see panto. Arianna
– I hope the King’s remains somewhere people fall in love with arts and take a needed break from digital media. Anonymous
– When I was younger, every time I came to the Panto I used to go early to see Andy Gray in his dressing room and would give him spiderman comics in return for some of his Batman comics. It’s a memory I hold onto even more after his passing. Anonymous
– Growing up seeing shows at the King’s and developing my love for theatre, to starting working there at 17 and meeting some of my best friends there. As an actor now, a full circle moment for me would be to perform on that stage. Anonymous
– We’ve missed you, King’s Theatre! Your history, your beauty, your art. When your doors open again, we will once again be under your spell and long may we be enchanted. Anonymous
– I hope the King’s Theatre remains a theatre for the people – because art and culture is for everyone regardless of class, race, social standing and age. Anonymous
– I remember the King’s Theatre as place that told varied stories that challenged, represented and empathised with its society. I hope that it continues to tell stories which matter and which push us forward. Anonymous
Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres, said:
“What really struck us throughout the Hope in a Bottle project was that this wasn’t purely about nostalgia. Of course, people shared wonderful memories, but overwhelmingly they were looking forward. They want today’s children (and tomorrow’s) to grow up with the arts and the King’s Theatre as part of their lives.
“These stories remind us that the King’s has always been far more than a theatre. It’s where families create traditions, where young people discover a love of the arts, where performers first dream of taking to the stage and where audiences experience moments they’ll remember for a lifetime. That’s an extraordinary legacy to carry into the next chapter of the King’s story, as we prepare for our official reopening on Saturday 1 August.”
Hope in a Bottle in numbers:
– 43% of submissions expressed hopes for the King’s future and the generations still to come.
– 39% described the theatre as a place of magic, joy, laughter or escape.
– 25% shared family traditions spanning generations.
– 25% said the King’s inspired dreams of performing or working in theatre.
– 24% celebrated the theatre’s Christmas pantomime tradition.
To learn more about the King’s Theatre redevelopment project, visit www.capitaltheatres.com.
