Traverse Theatre

The Traverse Theatre is a special place for plays in Edinburgh, Scotland. It started in 1962 as The Traverse Theatre Club by a group of people including John Calder, John Malcolm, Jim Haynes, and Richard Demarco. This theatre is known for creating and showing new plays written by modern writers, and it calls itself "Scotland’s new writing theatre."

Besides its own plays, the Traverse also hosts shows from other theatre groups. Every August, it becomes a busy spot for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a big festival full of different performances. The theatre is also where the 'Imaginate' festival happens, which is the Edinburgh International Children's Festival, bringing fun and exciting shows for kids.

History

The Traverse Theatre Club started on August 20, 1962, in Edinburgh at a place called 15 James Court, Lawnmarket. It was a small room with only 60 seats. The theatre got its name when someone thought the stage setup was called "traverse," though it’s actually “transverse.” The first show happened on January 2, 1963.

Later, in 1969, the theatre moved to a bigger space at 112 West Bow because the old floors were unsafe. This new place could hold up to 100 people and had more flexible seating. The first show in the new spot was on August 24, 1969. For a while, the theatre also had space for art shows, but that changed in 1966.

Current Traverse Theatre building

In 1992, the Traverse Theatre moved to its current home at 10 Cambridge Street. This special building cost £3.3 million and has two theatres with a bar and café. The first show at this location happened on July 3, 1992.

Traverse 1 is the bigger theatre. It has flexible seating that can be arranged in many ways, such as facing the stage from the sides or from the front. The most common way to sit is "end on," which fits 214 people. Traverse 2 is a smaller theatre used as a studio space. In September 2005, new flexible seating was added, and it usually holds about 115 people.

The Traverse and the Edinburgh Festivals

Founded in 1962, the Traverse Theatre aimed to keep the spirit of the Edinburgh Festivals alive all year. During the busy month of August, it shows new and exciting plays to people from all over the world. The Traverse is sometimes called "The Fringe venue that got away," showing how important it is to the arts in Edinburgh.

Even though the Traverse works all year, August is always the busiest time. In 2010, it did something new for Scottish theatre: it broadcast special readings of plays to cinemas across the UK. One third of the top prize winners that year were shows performed at the Traverse. A theatre critic once said the Traverse’s shows are like the backbone of the Edinburgh Fringe, setting the tone for many others.

Notable associations

Since it started in 1963, the Traverse Theatre has helped many famous Scottish writers begin their careers, such as John Byrne, Gregory Burke, David Greig, David Harrower, and Liz Lochhead.

In the 1960s, Richard Wilson often performed there. During the 1970s, many well-known actors like Timothy Dalton, Billy Connolly, Robbie Coltrane, Ann Mitchell, Simon Callow, Bill Paterson, and Steven Berkoff appeared at the theatre. In 1978, David Hayman directed John Byrne's Slab Boys, featuring Robbie Coltrane.

Later, Tilda Swinton and Forbes Masson performed there in the 1980s. In 1988, Steve Unwin directed Alan Cumming in a play called The Conquest of the South Pole. Ashley Jensen and Bill Nighy also started their acting careers at the Traverse. Some seats have special plaques with funny messages from actors who performed there.

Artistic directors

The Traverse Theatre has had many leaders who help guide its work. Some of these leaders include Jim Haynes, Gordon McDougall, Max Stafford-Clark, Michael Rudman, Mike Ockrent, Chris Parr, Iain Brown, Dominic Hill, Orla O'Loughlin, and currently Gareth Nicholls, who is serving as the interim leader. Each of these individuals has helped shape the theatre's unique style and mission over the years.

Controversies

In 1963, during a performance at the Traverse Theatre, an actress was accidentally hurt when a real knife used in the show got stuck in her costume. Despite the injury, she continued the show and received medical care afterward.

During the 1960s, the theatre faced challenges because some of its performances included themes that were not allowed at the time, leading to concerns from authorities.

In 1967, the theatre presented shows that sparked debate, with one being called inappropriate by a newspaper. That same year, the theatre’s leadership discussed future plans without promising that all shows would follow strict rules about content.