One of the most important theatres in Britain
The Observer

Now in its 45th year, Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre is Scotland's new writing theatre, with a record of excellence since 1963. With quality, award-winning productions and programming, the Traverse receives accolades at home and abroad from audiences and critics alike.

The Traverse has an unrivalled reputation for producing contemporary theatre of the highest quality, invention and energy, commissioning and supporting writers from Scotland and around the world and facilitating numerous script development workshops, rehearsed readings and public writing workshops. The Traverse aims to produce several major new theatre productions plus a Scottish touring production each year. It is unique in Scotland in its exclusive dedication to new writing, providing the infrastructure, professional support and expertise to ensure the development of a sustainable and relevant theatre culture for Scotland and the UK.

Traverse Theatre Company productions have been seen worldwide. Recent tours and transfers include:

Damascus by David Greig (Canada, USA, Russia - 2008)

Petrol Jesus Nightmare 5 (In the Time of the Messiah) by Henry Adam (Kosovo - 2006)

When the Bulbul Stopped Singing by Raja Shehadeh and adapted by David Greig (Scotland, Iran, USA, Jordan - 2004/05/07)

The People Next Door by Henry Adam (Scotland, England, Germany, the Balkans, USA - 2003/05)

Outlying Islands by David Greig (Scotland, England, Canada - 2002/03)

Iron by Rona Munro (Scotland, England - 2002/03)

Gagarin Way by Gregory Burke (Scotland, England, Norway, Sweden - 2001/02)

The Traverse can be relied upon to produce more good-quality new plays than any other Fringe venue
Daily Telegraph

During the Edinburgh Festival the Traverse is one of the most important venues, regularly picking up coveted Fringe Firsts and Herald Angels, with world class premieres playing daily in our various theatre spaces. In the 2007 Festival, the Traverse's programme collected 12 awards.

The Traverse also incorporates site-specific productions into our programme. These have taken place in locations such as a public toilet (Ladies & Gentlemen, 2003), sports car (A Mobile Thriller, 2004), Indian restaurant (Curry Tales, 2004), hotel room (Chamber Made, 2005), department store (The Devil's Larder, 2005), the University of Edinburgh's Medical Faculty (Dr Ledbetter's Experiment, 2006), the Fruitmarket Gallery (ENGLAND, 2007) and Stills (Walden, 2008).

An essential element of the Traverse Company's activities takes place within the educational sector, concentrating on the process of playwriting for young people. The Traverse flagship education project Class Act offers young people in schools the opportunity to work with theatre professionals and see their work performed on the Traverse stage. January 2008 marks the 18th year of Class Act.

In addition to Class Act, the Traverse Young Writers group, led by professional playwrights, has been running successfully for several years.

Booking Tickets &
Venue Information
You can find full information on buying tickets and where the Traverse is by going to the Booking Page of this website.

Traverse Theatre Virtual Tours
If you'd like a visual tour behind the scenes, you can do so here.

Hiring the Traverse
Our two theatres offer contrasting styles and settings and are equipped with modern lighting, sound and visual equipment. The of course, there is the legendary Bar Café which can comfortably cater for 300 people. Find out full information by visiting www.traverse.co.uk/traverse_for_hire.html.

Jobs and Recruitment
Current vacancies at the Traverse are available by visiting www.traverse.co.uk/jobs.html.

Traverse Staff
A full staff contact list is available by visiting www.traverse.co.uk/people.html.

Company Information
Traverse Theatre
Scotland's New Writing Theatre
10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 2ED

Box Office 00 44 (0)131 228 1404
Administration 00 44 (0)131 228 3223

Bar Café 00 44 (0)131 228 5383
Fax 00 44 (0)131 229 8443


Registered Office:
Traverse Theatre,
10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 2ED
Registered in Scotland SC 076037
Registered Charity SC 002368
VAT Registration No. 356 0682 47