Theatres
All year round, every night of the week, you can find quality, English-language theatre in Amsterdam. Most of the major theatres are centred around the Leidseplein, within an easy stroll of each other. The easiest way is to drop by the theatres' box offices, where you can browse programmes, ticket prices and availability.
For comedy, you cannot miss the hilarious Boom Chicago, now an Amsterdam institution after 11 years. Around the corner you will find the more low-key Comedy Café which often hosts international, stand-up comedians. For up-and-coming improv, check out the Easy Laughs comedy troupe at the Crea Muziekzaal Theater.
De Balie is a beacon for artists and the intelligentsia with its theatre, film and political debate. The Melkweg and Paradiso are popular nightclub venues that also stage quirky, fresh, new theatre. Finally, at the Stadsschouwburg, the Municipal Theatre, you will find quality stage performances housed in a gorgeous, historic site.
In summer, the city comes alive with culture and entertainment. The Holland Festival runs throughout June and the popular, free Open Air Theatre in the Vondelpark, throughout July.
In the Leidseplein and Vondelpark you will often stumble across theatre quite accidentally, out in the streets. Imaginably, Amsterdam is a magnet for buskers and street-performers, some of whom are surprisingly entertaining.
Theatre Performance arts are a flourishing aspect of cultural life in Amsterdam, reflected in renowned theatres such as the Stadschouwburg, De Brakke Grond and De Kleine Komedie. A new cultural centre has opened in the former factory buildings in the Westerpark, and many performances take place at the Westergasfabriek. Musicals and cabaret are frequently on the bill of the Royal Theatre Carre along the Amstel and the neighbouring Kleine Komedie, a charming little theatre dating back to 1788. The Tropenttheater/Soeterijn Theatre mainly showcases non-western productions in the fields of theatre, music and film. Ballet and Dance The National Ballet is one of two resident groups at the Muziektheater along the Amstel River, a theatre with seating for 1,600. The repertoire of the National Ballet encompasses both classical and modern dance.Muziektheater
The Muziektheater is the most important theater for opera and ballet in the Netherlands. It is home to world famous companies like the Nederlandse Opera and the Nationale Ballet and celebrated singers and dancers from all over the world are invited to demonstrate their art in this unique theater. Address: Waterlooplein 22, entrance: Amstel 3.
Stadsschouwburg
The Municipal Theater is the main venue for theater lovers. Toneelgroep Amsterdam, the theater company that calls the Municipal Theater its home, is renowned for its daring productions of classical and modern plays. The building alone is worth a visit. It is built in 1894 and the imposing exterior and the beautiful, luxurious interior haven't changed much since. Address: Leidseplein 26
For more information and reservations:
Uit Buro (AUB)
Leidseplein 26
1017 PT Amsterdam
AUB Ticketline: 0900.01.91 (0,40 EUR per minute)
Web: http://www.aub.nl/
