Heritage Talks

Heritage Talks are back at the King's Theatre on Wednesday 11 November, with a session in the Creative Engagement Studio starting at 11am. It's a 45-minute talk, and the whole thing is free, though you'll need to book a place beforehand.

The sessions are led by the people who research, protect and celebrate the history of Edinburgh's theatres, and they're designed to bring behind-the-scenes stories to life. The King's Theatre itself has evolved over more than 120 years, and these talks draw on the rich material held in its archives. They sit within the King's Theatre Heritage Engagement Team's programme of daytime activity and link to 'The People's Archive', a resource that offers new ways to connect with the stories, people and performances that have shaped the theatres through the years.

The format is deliberately relaxed, with small audiences and plenty of room for spontaneous stories, surprising anecdotes and meaningful exchange with speakers who bring both expert knowledge and first-hand experience of shaping theatre history in Edinburgh and beyond. It's less of a formal lecture and more of a conversation, where the stories can wander and the speakers can share the kind of things that don't usually make it into the official record.

This strand also feeds into Capital Theatres' 'Take Part' / Creative Engagement programme, which they frame as a way to get involved with theatre for fun, for community, to get closer to the shows or to pick up new skills. If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of one of the city's oldest stages, this is a good way in. It runs at 11am on Wednesday 11 November in the Creative Engagement Studio at the King's Theatre; admission is free, but booking is essential.