What time do you open the doors?

The foyers and bars are open one hour before curtain up (although Café Lucia is open all day, Mon-Sat 10am till 5.30pm). The auditorium is opened approximately 30 minutes before curtain up, allowing you access to your seats, although times may vary dependent on the production.

Do you have Bars & Cafes ?

Café Lucia is a situated in the entrance foyer of the Festival Theatre. The Café is open Monday - Saturday 10.00am to 5.30pm; serving filter coffee (with a free refill), cappuccino and latte, teas and pastries from 10am. A lunch menu with a selection of homemade scones and cakes, soup, filled rolls, bagels and focaccia with a choice of fillings is available from 12 noon. The café has unreserved seating and children are very welcome.

On performance days the café stays open until after the interval, serving a wide range of alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic drinks.

There are three other bars in the Festival Theatre: The Johnnie Walker Bar and Taittinger Bar on the Dress Circle level and the Scottish Power Gallery on the Upper Circle level. These bars open one hour before the performance and stay open until after the interval.

Can I order Interval drinks?

Interval drinks can be ordered in advance from any of the bars. Smoked salmon or cheese sandwiches can also be pre-ordered for the interval - order at the bars before the show. Ice creams are also available during the intervals, from staff selling inside the auditorium.

Can I take my drinks into the auditorium?

For most performances, customers are permitted to take plastic glasses into the auditorium. However, this policy is at the discretion of visiting companies so please check with Bar staff before the performance begins.

Can I use a credit / debit card for buying drinks?

Yes, we can take card payments at any of our tills for drinks. Please note that we are unable to accept Diners Club Card, Visa Electron, American Express and Solo.

Is there a cashpoint nearby?

Yes. There is a Royal Bank of Scotland with two ATMS just opposite the Festival Theatre, and a Clydesdale Bank with one ATM in Nicolson Square, just south of the theatre. Unfortunately, our Bars / Box Office are not able to offer a cashback service.

Do you have a cloakroom?

Coats and bags may be left in the cloakroom which is located at the foot of the main stairs. This service is free of charge and all items are left at the owner's risk.

Can I bring my baby with me?

In the interests of all patrons, babies and small children (under 4 years old) will not be admitted to performances, except for specific children's shows. For certain children's or family shows, £2.00 tickets may be available for babies under 24 months. Contact the box office on 0131 529 6000 for details when booking tickets.

What facilities do you have for children?

High chairs are available in Café Lucia and there are also baby changing facilities. Buggies and push chairs can be left next to the cloakroom and the Café is happy to serve child size portions. Unfortunately, we do not currently provide booster seats but you are welcome to bring your own with you.

Can I pre-order ice cream for the interval?

Yes, for orders of 8 or more ice-creams. You can order on arrival at the theatre but we cannot guarantee what products will be in stock at that time.

Do you have any first aid facilities?

We are lucky to have the voluntary help of St John Ambulance at most of our performances, to complement a number of duty staff who are also trained in first aid. There is a first aid room at the Festival Theatre.

Will I be allowed in if I am late?

In the majority of cases, yes. Some shows do not allow latecomers to enter once the show has started to minimize disturbance for cast and audience. Sometimes we may have to hold people in the foyer for a period of time before being able to admit them. We are always advised by visiting companies as to their policy for latecomers.

Can I take photographs?

No. This is distracting for both cast and audience and also infringes copyright.

Can I dance during concerts/gigs?

Some shows might get your feet tapping, but we would ask that everyone shows consideration for the rest of the audience. Dancing in the aisles is not permitted due to licensing regulations that demand the aisles are kept clear at all times.

Are there any lifts in the building?

Yes. For more information, please see our Disabled access brochure. Download our Access Brochure.

Is strobe lighting used at the theatre?

Yes, during some shows. We do rely on visiting companies to pass on this information to us. If they do, we will display the information on signs in the foyer to say if strobe or flashing lights are used. If we know in advance, we will put this information on the show's pages on our website.

Can I park at the theatre?

We do not have our own car park but for more information visit Central Car Parks.

Can the cast of the show wish me or a member of my family 'happy birthday/anniversary' duriNg the show?

All shows are touring productions and unfortunately we are unable to help with such requests.