Culture

Introduction

Edinburgh is right at the heart of world culture during the annual Edinburgh International Festival and the flurry of festivals that surround it.

Tickets to these and many other cultural events throughout the year are available from The Hub, Castlehill (tel: (0131) 473 2000; www.hubtickets.co.uk). The Fringe box office is at 180 High Street (tel: (0131) 226 0026; www.edfringe.com), while the Military Tattoo has its own ticket office at 32 Market Street (tel: (0131) 225 1188; www.edintattoo.co.uk).

A good general online source of information (www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk) also provides information on cultural events in the city.

Music

The Usher Hall
The Usher Hall has at last reopened, after major redevelopment which –much to the relief of the Edinburgh bourgeoisie – has left intact the concert hall's glorious acoustic. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Chamber Orchestra are now playing there regularly again.

Lothian Road
Tel: (0131) 228 1155.
Website: www.usherhall.co.uk

Edinburgh Festival Theatre
Scottish Opera productions are staged in the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, also the venue for contemporary dance productions.

13/29 Nicolson Street
Tel: (0131) 529 6000.
Website: www.fctt.org.uk/festival_theatre

The Queen's Hall
Is Edinburgh's main chamber music venue and also hosts many world and folk music events.

85-89 Clerk Street
Tel: (0131) 668 3456.
Website: www.thequeenshall.net

Theatre

The King's Theatre
This is an elegant Edwardian theatre presenting quality drama as well as the city's annual pantomime.

2 Leven Street
Tel: (0131) 529 6000.
Website: www.eft.co.uk

The Traverse Theatre
Specialises in exciting and original contemporary plays by Scottish and international writers.

10 Cambridge Street
Tel: (0131) 228 1404.
Website: www.traverse.co.uk

The Royal Lyceum Theatre
Stages work by contemporary playwrights as well as more traditional work.

30B Grindlay Street
Tel: (0131) 248 4800.
Website: www.lyceum.org.uk