Your pre-show checklist
All you need to know ahead of your trip to the Festival Theatre!
Please note the information above may vary depending on the event or performance you are attending. Keep an eye out for updates sent by email and on our social media.
Timings
- Doors will open to the auditorium 30 minutes before the performance starts.
- Please be aware that photography and filming are not allowed during the show.
- We recommend arriving with plenty of time to find your seats easily or relax in our front-of-house spaces.
E-tickets & drinks pre-orders
- 24 hours ahead of your visit, you will receive a reminder email or text with your tickets for the show via our new system, VisitOne. Please note that these messages can occasionally arrive 48 hours before the performance.
- Text messages will come from FestTheatre and the link will start with the words myvisit.
- Via the VisitOne link to your e-tickets, you'll also be able to pre-order interval drinks. Skip the queue and order ahead of time!
Cloakroom
- Our cloakroom will be open 1 hour before each performance and can be found on the lower ground level. This is accessible by lift or stairs.
- To make the best use of space for all customers, we kindly ask that you refrain from storing large bags/cases during the performance.
- The cloakroom is free but donations are welcome and go towards the maintenance of our three venues, the Festival Theatre, King's Theatre, and The Studio.
Programmes
- Programmes, if available for your production, are available to purchase in person at our merchandise desk at Stalls Level 1.
Theatre bars
- Will open 1 hour before the show and during the interval, unless otherwise stated in the venue, they will be closed after the show.
- If you wish to take your drink into the auditorium, remember to ask for a reusable cup. We operate a reduce and reuse scheme at the theatre, so please return your cup at the end of the performance.
- We are not currently accepting cash at any of our sales points, we therefore encourage you to use contactless transactions as much as possible.
Cafe
- Our cafe is located on the ground floor and is open from 10 am, Mon to Sat. It serves refreshments and light bites until 6 pm, after that time, it reverts to bar service only.
Venue location
- The Festival Theatre is located in the heart of the city on Nicolson Street. You can find information on how to reach us on our website's Your Visit section.
Access
- If you have any access requirements, you can also find further information for our venues on our Access section.
Be a gold star audience member
- Performances can be very busy. For the best possible experience for our audience members and our staff please arrive in good time for your performance, be conscious of those around you, but most of all - enjoy!
- Please help out our staff by taking your rubbish with you as you leave the auditorium and depositing it in the foyer bins.
Contact us
- Email us at bookings@capitaltheatres.com, call us on 0131 529 6000 (Mon to Sat, 11am - 3pm), or drop us a message through one of social channels. We'll do our best to get back to you as soon as we can.
- We want to hear all about your experience! Tell us about your trip and tag us @captheatres on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and TikTok!
