WAHT 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 AND CAFES?

The Festival Theatre Edinburgh and Surgeons Lodge Limited, the commercial enterprises of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, have joined forces to operate Cafe Lucia.

A cafe bar menu and drinks will be available between the hours of 10.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Saturday. The menu includes a selection of soups, bruschetta, loaded Focaccia or Ciabatta as well as fresh scones and Italian inspires pastries. Cafe concerto coffee, a selection of Twinings Teas and hot chocolate are also available.

Coming soon - an exciting new pre-theatre menu - ideal for those just finished work who are looking for a tasty light bite before taking in a show.

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 on sale inside the auditorium, on level 1 and the Johnny Walker bar.

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.

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 seat

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

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 in the brochure and on the 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.