Discover Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh
Pleasance Courtyard, located on the historic Pleasance Street, has carved a name for itself as an essential destination for performers and audiences at the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Established in 1985, this historic venue hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year who flock to its cobbled courtyard for shows, food, and festivities. Owned by the University of Edinburgh and managed by the Pleasance Theatre Trust during the festival, Pleasance Courtyard has become an internationally recognized symbol of the Fringe’s innovative and electric atmosphere.
The History of Pleasance Courtyard
The story of Pleasance Courtyard began with a bold ambition: to bring new life to Edinburgh’s arts scene and provide a platform for emerging and established artists. What started with just two performance spaces facing a simple courtyard has grown into an extensive network of nearly 30 venues across Edinburgh.
Initially serving the Edinburgh University Students' Association as a place for student societies, recreational spaces, and social events, Pleasance Courtyard still holds this role for much of the year. However, once a year the Pleasance throws its doors open to the international arts community.
Pleasance Courtyard at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Guided by the Pleasance Theatre Trust, Pleasance Courtyard becomes the epicentre of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, otherwise known as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival or The Fringe. Each August, this venue evolves into one of the busiest locations in the city, offering a wide-ranging program of theatre, comedy, cabaret, dance, and children’s shows.
During the festival, the complex is reimagined with multiple performance spaces, ranging from intimate venues to the 750-seat Pleasance Grand. The courtyard becomes Edinburgh’s largest beer garden, brimming with lively conversations, laughter, and anticipation. Visitors gather to enjoy the pop up bars and range of food vendors creating an environment where visitors can enjoy an entire day or evening of Fringe experiences.
The venue’s setup has earned Pleasance Courtyard the title of “the heart of the Fringe” by many, where visitors can indulge in a variety of performances while soaking up the festival’s one-of-a-kind energy.
Pleasance Courtyard Programming
As the largest Fringe venue in terms of programming, it draws thousands of visitors seeking a taste of both local and international talent. Known for its high standards and diverse lineup, Pleasance Courtyard spotlights both rising stars and seasoned performers, with acts often featuring comedy, music, and experimental genres.
This venue has become a springboard for countless artists who have launched their careers on its stages, and it continues to attract international acts eager to connect with Edinburgh’s eclectic audiences.
The programming at Pleasance Courtyard is curated to foster creativity and push the boundaries of conventional theatre, making it a focal point for discovering fresh talent and groundbreaking productions.
Features of Pleasance Courtyard
Pleasance Courtyard’s layout is one of its standout features. The cobbled courtyard, surrounded by an array of performance spaces housed in buildings that are 100 to 220 years old, is an inviting space for visitors to relax, grab a drink, and mingle with performers and fellow audience members. Inside these buildings the venue has a performance space for every production; from the grand 750-seat theatre to its intimate attic spaces.
A 2017 refurbishment, valued at £6 million, updated these facilities, allowing the venue to maintain its traditional character while accommodating the needs of modern performers and audiences. The main building is home to two distinct bars—the Pleasance Bar and the Cabaret Bar—separated by a flexible partition that can be opened up for larger events.
The Cabaret Bar, along with the Pleasance Theatre located on the floor above, is accessible year-round and serves as a gathering spot for live music, comedy, poetry nights, and more, featuring events like the Pleasance Sessions music festival and Edinburgh Folk Club gatherings.
Alongside its main Edinburgh locations, Pleasance expands its reach during the Fringe by operating additional venues, including Pleasance Dome and Pleasance @ EICC, located elsewhere in the city.
Pleasance Courtyard: Supporting Artistic Development
The Pleasance Theatre Trust, a registered charity since 1995, reinvests its proceeds into nurturing new talent and expanding opportunities for creative expression. With a commitment to supporting the arts community, Pleasance offers resources for artists to develop their craft and connect with new audiences.
This mission is reflected in its year-round activities, with a permanent location in London and continued involvement in the Edinburgh arts scene. By providing a supportive environment, Pleasance has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous artists, contributing to its reputation as a premier venue for the arts.
Visiting Pleasance Courtyard
Pleasance Courtyard is situated at 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9TJ, and is accessible from various parts of the city. For those arriving by train, Edinburgh Waverley Station is nearby, and numerous bus routes, including 8, 3/3A, 5, 7, 14, 29, and 49, serve the area.
Those who are driving will find that parking is limited in the area, although the nearby NCP Holyrood Road car park offers several accessible spaces for those needing them. Taxis can conveniently drop visitors off opposite the main entrance on East Adam Street, making for easy access to the Courtyard.
How to Book Tickets
Tickets for Pleasance Courtyard events can be purchased online through their website or by calling their box office. In-person bookings are available at each box office location. For patrons requiring accessibility services, the Courtyard offers specific access tickets that include dedicated seating areas, as well as audio-described and captioned performances. Additionally, complimentary tickets are available for personal assistants, ensuring every visitor can comfortably enjoy the experience.
Box Office Options
Pleasance Courtyard has multiple box office locations to streamline the ticketing experience. The Courtyard Box Office is accessible from the main courtyard, featuring a lowered counter and hearing loop system for greater accessibility. There are also other box offices, such as the Beyond Box Office, located in the rear Courtyard, and the Grand Box Office, situated near the Grand performance space.
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