Scottish Ballet Cancels Edinburgh Shows Over 72% Accommodation Cost Surge
Scottish Ballet has announced the cancellation of a week’s worth of performances in Edinburgh, attributing the decision to a staggering 72% increase in accommodation expenses since December 2019, which now surpasses £200,000. The Glasgow-based company has shortened its festive production of Cinders at the Festival Theatre from December 31 to December 11–24, resulting in the venue remaining unoccupied during the holiday season for the first time in recent memory. Executive director Steven Roth indicated that touring to Edinburgh is becoming increasingly unfeasible. The company has urged Edinburgh City Council to exempt national performing arts organizations from the new 5% visitor levy set to take effect on July 24. Artistic director Christopher Hampson emphasized the importance of mutual commitment for the city’s arts reputation. The council has been approached for a response.
Key facts
- Scottish Ballet cancelled a week of Edinburgh performances due to rising accommodation costs.
- Accommodation costs rose 72% between December 2019 and December 2025, now over £200,000.
- Cinders performances at the Festival Theatre were cut to December 11–24 from the original December 31 end.
- Festival Theatre will be dark over the festive period for the first time in recent memory.
- Scottish Ballet called for an exemption from Edinburgh's 5% visitor levy for national performing arts companies.
- Visitor levy takes effect July 24, 2025.
- Executive director Steven Roth said touring to Edinburgh is 'fast becoming unsustainable'.
- Artistic director Christopher Hampson said commitment to Edinburgh must be 'a two-way street'.
- Union agreements and health requirements necessitate accommodation close to venues.
- Four out of five Scottish national performing arts companies are based in Glasgow.
Entities
Artists
- Steven Roth
- Christopher Hampson
Institutions
- Scottish Ballet
- Edinburgh City Council
- Festival Theatre
- STV News
Locations
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Scotland
- United Kingdom