Traverse Theatre

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Founded in the 1960s, the Traverse was first housed in a former brothel on the High Street; a legend was born on its second night when actor Colette O'Neill was accidentally stabbed during a production of Sartre's Huis Clos. By the time the theatre moved to its second home in the Grassmarket in the late '60s, the emphasis on European experimentalism had begun to shift towards homegrown fare from writers such as John Byrne and Tom McGrath. Then, in 1992, the theatre moved to this purpose-built expanse beneath an office complex. Two spaces showcase a lively array of new plays from writers developed by the company - among them David Greig, David Harrower and Zinnie Harris - as well as a rolling programme of touring shows. In August, it's always one of the hottest spots on the Fringe.