Big names to Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Playhouse is set to be sold to a leading theatre operator in a move that has raised hopes of more big-name West End productions coming to the Capital.

The Edinburgh Evening News writes today that sources confirmed that a deal had been struck to sell the historic city venue to the Ambassador Theatre Group – which runs Glasgow's King's Theatre and Theatre Royal. It is understood to be part of a deal that will see Playhouse owner Live Nation's 17 UK venues sold off for a sum in the region of £90 million.

The Scottish paper revealed in June that the 3,000-seat venue had been put up for sale by Live Nation. At the time about 20 theatre operators were understood to have registered an interest. Before the takeover, the Ambassador Theatre Group was the UK's second largest theatre operator, but the acquisition of 17 new venues would make it the largest.The Playhouse has attracted a string of top West End shows, including Les Miserables and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and big-name music stars such as Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

Beneficial

Theatre critic Thom Dibdin believes the takeover could prove beneficial to the Capital. He said: "They are the biggest group in the West End and the biggest regional group. The Playhouse is a fantastic venue for the kind of shows that come here."As long as they haven't over-stretched themselves by doing this, which might compromise what they can do, I have no problem with it.

"They seem to be able to put on some slightly more exciting stuff in Glasgow that I feel we should be having over here."It could be very good for the city if they continue to keep big, entertaining shows that draw people in from around Scotland. "The Playhouse is a big attraction for coming to Edinburgh as a visitor, as a weekend here taking in a big musical is half what you would pay at the West End.

Most profitable

"The Playhouse has had a string of owners since it was reopened as a theatre in 1980 with the support of Lothian Regional Council, having lain empty for seven years.The theatre was forced to cut up to nine jobs at the beginning of the year, but it is understood to have been one of the most profitable theatres in Live Nation's portfolio.

Live Nation is best known internationally as a music promoter, boasting the likes of Madonna and U2 on its roster.Its other UK venues include London's Apollo Victoria and Lyceum theatres, and it is understood to be looking to switch its attention to expanding its live music operation.Both the Ambassador Theatre Group and the Playhouse declined to comment on the sale.