As one of Glasgow’s most historic and significant theatres, the King’s Theatre has been keeping people entertained for over a century. From well-loved musicals and dramatic theatrical plays to mind boggling circus acts, they really know how to put on a show. As Glasgow’s largest theatre it has seen the likes of Michael Caine, The Jackson Five and even Dolly Parton take to the stage - that’s a lot of star quality! Take a look at our hotels in Glasgow.
Affectionately known as ‘The Grand Old Lady of Bath Street’, this grade A listed building dates back to 1904. Designed by architect Frank Matcham, it cost around £50,000 to build (which works out at about £3.5 million in today’s money!) and has influences of art nouveau and baroque throughout its design. The theatre’s history is an interesting one. To rival the summer seaside shows, the director back then tried out a fun time show of singing, dancing, comedy because it was during summer that theatres were quite quiet. A hit from the off, it soon became a sell out and became an annual success. Fast-forward decades on and the stage is never empty of class acts. In 1990 when Glasgow became the City of Culture, it held the opening ceremony and the Christmas pantomime continues to be the hottest ticket in town.
King’s Theatre
King’s Theatre
King’s Theatre
Essential information
Top tip
If you’re thinking about getting a taxi to the theatre or a taxi home, it might be worth pre-booking one as they can be in short supply around the beginning and end of performances.
Eating and drinking
Whether you want to grab an early dinner before the curtain goes up or find a cosy bar to have a chat about the show you’ve just seen, there are lots of restaurants, pubs and bars close to the theatre.
Want to grab a bite before your show? There are lots of pre-theatre menus to set you up for the evening ahead. Directly opposite the theatre is the popular bistro pub The Griffin. Enjoy their legendary chicken goujons and or the Scottish cheddar mac ‘n’ cheese. Alternatively, enjoy the aromatic flavours at Indian restaurant Punjabi Charing Cross on North Street or try the Mediterranean style pre-theatre menu at Athena Greek Taverna close by on Elderslie Street.
If you’re after a drink or two after your show, chic hotel bar and restaurant Blythswood Square is the place to go. An extensive wine list and fancy cocktails, you can discuss scene by scene of that play in five star surroundings. For something a little more rock ‘n’ roll, pull up a pew at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut on Saint Vincent Street for a spirit and mixer, glass of wine or ice cold lager before or after you get to the stage door.
Getting to King’s Theatre
There are buses a plenty plus train and subway stops really close by to the theatre so you won’t have to worry about getting here. Just make sure your timings are right so you’re not late for the start of your show!
By car
If you’re driving and need to park, punch in G2 4PR for the Charing Cross car park on Elmbank Crescent. There’s lots of space and charges will apply.
By bus
Buses 18, 42, 44 and 57 will drop you on Bath Street so this is a great way to travel to the theatre.
By train
Charing Cross rail station is incredibly close to the theatre. Turn right when you come out of the station and then right again onto Bath Street. The door is just 100 yards away.
By subway
Your nearest station is Buchanan Street. Getting off here, it’ll be around a 12 minute walk to the theatre.