© Oliver Fantitsch

Drama & Theatre

CURTAIN UP FOR HAMBURG'S THEATRES Theatre capital Hamburg

Hamburg's theatre scene is top-class, award-winning and diverse. Audiences are particularly close to the stage and therefore right in the middle of the action, especially in the numerous small theatres, such as in the Kammerspiele or the MUT! Theatre. Of course, there are also theatres that are ‘typically Hamburglish’, such as the Ohnsorg Theatre with plays ‘op Platt’, the stars auf der Reeperbahn, St. Pauli Theatre and Schmidt Theatre or the Theaterschiff. There are also impressive buildings with a long history such as the Deutsches Schauspielhaus, the Ernst Deutsch Theatre and the Thalia Theatre. The latest addition to the theatre scene is the home of Harry Potter: the Theatre at the Großmarkt.

CHARMING AND CLOSE TO THE STAGE Small, personal theatres

© Mediaserver Hamburg / ThisIsJulia Photography
Monsun Theatre

Hamburg's theatre scene not only thrives on the big stages, but also on its charming small theatres. This means that everyone is really close to the action on stage. Under the arcades of the Brahms Kontor is the cosy MUT! Theatre, which offers a diverse programme of comedies, dramas and children's plays to open our eyes to the diversity of our society. Another cultural hotspot is the Off-Theater Hamburger Sprechwerk in Hamburg Borgfelde, which presents an impressive range of plays, dance theatre, improvised theatre and magic on a 160 m² stage. With just 40 seats, Theater das Zimmer is Hamburg's smallest private theatre, offering an intense experience thanks to its close proximity to the actors and interaction with the audience. Nearby is the Fleetstreet Theatre, known for its innovative productions that go far beyond the boundaries of classical theatre.

The monsun.theatre, the oldest off-theatre in the city, offers young artists a stage for contemporary plays. Gaußstraße is home to the Thalia Theater, the experimental stage of the renowned Thalia Theatre in Hamburg, which is known for its productions and bold projects that go beyond the classical theatre framework. The Kleine Hoftheater provides an intimate theatre experience, with a family atmosphere and a mixture of classical and modern plays. The Lichthof Theatre also stands out with its avant-garde productions, while the Junge Schauspielhaus promotes modern theatre art that appeals to both young and broader audiences.

© Markus Richter

Das kleine Hoftheater

The repertoire of the theater in the east of Hamburg includes, among other things, a variety of in-house productions and special theater experiences.

Das kleine Hoftheater

Das kleine Hoftheater

Bei der Martinskirche 2
22111 Hamburg

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© Fleetstreet Theater e.V.

Fleetstreet Theatre

The Fleetstreet Theatre offers an exclusive opportunity to observe artists and groups from various fields such as theatre, performance, dance, visual arts, music or film. As part of the residency programme, the theatre offers space and time for research, experimentation and production. The premises of the theatre can be used as a stage and/or gallery space.

Fleetstreet Theatre

Fleetstreet Theater e.V.

Admiralitätstraße 71
20459 Hamburg

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© Hamburger Sprechwerk / Stephan Malzkorn

Hamburger Sprechwerk

Das Sprechwerk is a stage for premieres and experiments in the free performing arts. With its 160 square meter stage, it is one of the largest and most beautiful off-theaters in Hamburg. The spectrum ranges from drama to dance theater, children's theater, performance, cabaret and improv theater. The program is supplemented by sophisticated in-house productions in the fields of drama and dance.

Hamburger Sprechwerk

Hamburger Sprechwerk

Klaus-Groth-Str. 23
20535 Hamburg

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© ThisIsJulia Photography

Junges Schauspielhaus

The Junge SchauSpielHaus in Hamburg is one of the most important theatres for a young audience in the German-speaking world.

Junges Schauspielhaus

JungesSchauSpielHaus

Gaußstraße 190
22765 Hamburg

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© T. Schreiber

Kellertheater Hamburg

Located in the heart of Hamburg, the Kellertheater offers its guests a special theatre experience in small circles and is a real insider tip.

Kellertheater Hamburg

Kellertheater Hamburg

Johannes-Brahms-Platz 1
20355 Hamburg

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© Dima Osroglad

LICHTHOF Theatre

The LICHTHOF Theatre sees itself as a production house, experimental space and venue for the independent performing arts. Artists from all disciplines develop and present productions here that are close to current events.

LICHTHOF Theatre

Lichthof-Theater am Alten Gaswerk

Mendelssohnstraße 15B
22761 Hamburg

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MORE THAN JUST THEATRE Theatre with that special something

© Mediaserver Hamburg / ThisIsJulia Photography
Kampnagel Hamburg

A few theatres in Hamburg are characterised by very special features: Whether special stagecraft, excellent gastronomy or a unique atmosphere, a special theatre experience is offered here. Kampnagel in Winterhude, also known as the ‘’culture factory‘’, offers the most modern and international productions. The Altona Theatre in the heart of Altona shines with literary works under the motto ‘We play books’. The 2te Heimat theatre combines acting with a 3-course meal or pasta. At the English Theatre, plays are performed in English by actors from London. The Theatre am Großmarkt has been showing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in German since 2021: visitors are offered a fascinating stage adaptation of J.K. Rowling's popular wizarding world. With impressive stage magic and detailed costumes, it brings the adventures of Harry Potter and his friends to the stage. The theatre ship between Deichstraßen and Speicherstadt offers maritime theatre experiences on a floating stage. The Hafenbühne (harbour stage) in the Pier 3 Hotel combines concerts, readings and theatre. The Winterhuder Fährhaus comedy theatreon the Alster is known for its varied and high-quality productions.

© 2018 ThisIsJulia Photography

Altona Theatre

Performances on this stage are based on novels; in this manner, they become much easier to understand. Many unique performances are presented here. This house is known for its literary models and historical material. After an eventful history and several moves, it is at home today in the centre of Altona.

Altona Theatre

Altonaer Theater

Museumstraße 17
22765 Hamburg

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© ThisIsJulia Photography

Die 2te Heimat

TheTheatre 2te Heimat is now regarded by many Hamburgers as an insider tip, because here you can experience theatre in a completely different way.

Die 2te Heimat

Die 2te Heimat

Phoenixhof, Schützenstraße 21
22761 Hamburg

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© PIERDREI Hotel Hamburg HafenCity

Hafenbühne

The Hafenbühne is the in-house theatre of the PIERDREI Hotel in HafenCity. From concerts to readings and stand-up comedy to small theater productions, a wide range of entertainment events takes place here.

Hafenbühne

Hafenbühne

Am Sandtorkai 46
20467 Hamburg

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© Heribert Schindler

Hamburg Theatre Ship

In close contact with the actors - the Hamburg Theatre Ship offers theatre with well-known artists in a unique family environment, so that no spectator sits more than seven metres away from the stage.

Hamburg Theatre Ship

Theaterschiff Hamburg

Holzbrücke 2
20457 Hamburg

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© Jochen Quast

Harry Potter and the enchanted child - Theatre at the Großmarkt

Hamburg’s new visionary theatre with capacity for up to 3,500 visitors. The Harry-Potter-Theater am Großmarkt presents theatre performances, concerts, musicals, shows and much, much more. A visit is not only worthwhile because of the great programme, but also because of the spectacular display of architecture at the listed Großmarkthalle.

Harry Potter and the enchanted child - Theatre at the Großmarkt

Theater am Großmarkt

Banksstraße 28
20097 Hamburg

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© ThisIsJulia Photography

Kampnagel

Kampnagel enjoys worldwide recognition as an international production house. It offers a multi-faceted platform for contemporary performing arts, as well as for concerts, conferences and a diverse range of festivals and thematic focuses.

Kampnagel

Kampnagel

Jarrestr. 20
22303 Hamburg

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IN THE CENTRE OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD Theatre in St. Pauli

© Mediaserver Hamburg / Jörg Modrow
Schmidt Theater

St. Pauli is not just about club culture, it also has some impressive theatres that put on a varied stage programme. The Schmidt Theatre in Hamburg is known for its entertaining and humorous productions. With a varied programme ranging from musicals and comedies to variety shows, it offers a lively and creative theatre experience. The St. Pauli Theatre is one of the oldest theatres in Germany. Located directly on Spielbudenplatz, the plays performed are characterised by being robust, popular and intelligent, with entertainment of the highest calibre.

Germany's largest crime theatre, the Imperial Theater, is located in an old cinema in the heart of St. Pauli. The programme ranges from exciting classics to humorous crime comedies and gripping psychological thrillers, making the hearts of crime fans beat faster. Schmidts Tivoli is probably the best-known theatre in St. Pauli. In addition to the musical Heiße Ecke, many other classics are also performed here. The Schmidtchen, the newest addition to the Schmidt family, can be found in the Klubhaus St. Pauli. The small, flexible neighbourhood stage impresses with its fresh and experimental concept.

© ThisIsJulia Photography

Imperial Theater Hamburg

The Imperial Theater in Hamburg St. Pauli is the only crime thriller theater in the city and has become an established institution in the cultural scene.

Imperial Theater Hamburg

Imperial Theater Hamburg

Reeperbahn 5
20359 Hamburg

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© ThisIsJulia Photography

Schmidt Theatre

The Schmidt Theater, located on the famous Reeperbahn, has a long tradition and guarantees visitors an unforgettable theater experience.

Schmidt Theatre

Schmidt Theater

Spielbudenplatz 27-28
20359 Hamburg

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© Ingo Bölter

Schmidt's TIVOLI

The Schmidts Tivoli at Spielbudenplatz in Hamburg presents crazy revues and skilful music theatre.

Schmidt's TIVOLI

Schmidts TIVOLI

Spielbudenplatz 27-28
20359 Hamburg

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© ThisIsJulia Photography

Schmidtchen

For over a quarter of a century, the best entertainment on Germany's most famous mile, the Hamburg Reeperbahn: With around 400,000 visitors per year, the Schmidt - consisting of Schmidt Theater, Schmidt's TIVOLI and Schmidtchen - is Germany's most successful private theatre.

Schmidtchen

Schmidtchen

Spielbudenplatz 21-22
20359 Hamburg

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© ThisIsJulia Photography

St. Pauli Theatre

In Hamburg's St. Pauli Theater, sophisticated performances take place every day, which fit perfectly into the rough surroundings of the Theaterhaus on the Reeperbahn.

St. Pauli Theatre

St. Pauli Theater

Spielbudenplatz 29-30
20359 Hamburg

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CENTURIES OF HISTORY MEET MODERN CULTURE Theatre with tradition

© Mediaserver Hamburg / ThisIsJulia Photography
Deutsches Schauspielhaus

The Deutsches Schauspielhaus and the Thalia Theatre in Hamburg are two important cultural institutions in the city and look back on a long history. The Deutsches Schauspielhaus, one of the largest and most traditional theatres in Germany, delights audiences with its sophisticated dramatic art. The Thalia Theater, known for its innovative and varied programme, offers a wide range of modern and classical plays. Both theatres play a key role in shaping Hamburg's theatre scene and offer unforgettable theatre experiences. At the Ohnsorg Theatre, plays are performed in Low German - a Hamburg institution with a long history. The theatre has been around since 1902, when it was founded as a theatre association under the name ‘Dramatische Gesellschaft Hamburg’. The Hamburger Kammerspiele is also a theatre steeped in tradition - formerly municipal, now private. The theatre was founded in 1918.

Theatre 47 was founded in 1947 and has been committed to maintaining the Low German language ever since. In the past, over 183 plays have been staged in Low German. The Harburg theatre in Hamburg looks back on a long tradition and has been an important part of regional theatre culture for decades. After being destroyed in the Second World War, it was refounded in 1949 and, after a number of challenges, has earned a firm place in Hamburg's cultural landscape thanks to its committed productions and varied programme.

The Ernst Deutsch Theatre in Hamburg, founded in 1951, is an important theatre with a rich tradition. It offers a varied programme ranging from classical dramas to modern plays. The theatre's long history is reflected in its timeless atmosphere. The Volksspielbühne Rissen in Hamburg is a traditional amateur theatre that has been shaping the local cultural scene since 1955. With a dedicated team of amateur actors, it stages classic and modern plays and cultivates the theatre tradition in the Rissen district.

© ThisIsJulia Photography

Deutsches Schauspielhaus

Enjoy culture in a classical atmosphere - at the Deutsches Schauspielhaus the old masters are breathed back into life in new productions.

Deutsches Schauspielhaus

Deutsches Schauspielhaus

Kirchenallee 39
20099 Hamburg

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© ThisIsJulia Photography

Ernst Deutsch Theater

The Ernst Deutsch Theater is Germany's largest private spoken theatre and regularly presents plays in the field of tension between tradition and topicality.

Ernst Deutsch Theater

Ernst Deutsch Theater

Friedrich-Schütter-Platz 1
22087 Hamburg

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© ThisIsJulia Photography

Hamburger Kammerspiele

The Hamburger Kammerspiele is one of Hamburg's most famous theatres and offers its visitors high-quality theatre performances almost every day.

Hamburger Kammerspiele

Hamburger Kammerspiele

Hartungstraße 9-11
20146 Hamburg

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© Joachim Hiltmann

Harburg Theatre

Located near the Harburg Town Hall, the Harburg Theatre is a historic and forward-looking theatre that positively enriches the Hamburg theatre scene.

Harburg Theatre

Harburger Theater

Museumsplatz 2
21073 Hamburg

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© ThisIsJulia Photography

Ohnsorg Theater

In the centrally located Ohnsorg Theater, visitors can regularly enjoy high-class performances, some of which are also performed in Low German.

Ohnsorg Theater

Ohnsorg Theater

Heidi-Kabel-Platz 1
20099 Hamburg

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© ThisIsJulia Photography

Thalia Theater

A visit to the venerable Thalia Theater promises visitors a high-class and stylish theatre visit in the heart of Hamburg even today.

Thalia Theater

Thalia Theater

Alstertor
20095 Hamburg

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THEATRE EXPERIENCE EVEN FOR THE YOUNGEST Theatre for children

© HoheLuftSchiff / Margaux Weiß

There are also plenty of options for little theatre fans in Hamburg. From puppet theatre to musical shows, the stages in the Hanseatic city offer exciting and imaginative stories that will make children's eyes light up. For example, the lovingly designed Hoftheater Ottensen - Kindertheater Wackelzahn is located in a backyard in Altona, where fairy tales and preventative plays for children and young people are performed in great surroundings. Also in Altona is the Allee Theatre, which is home to both the theatre for children and the Hamburg Chamber Opera. The special thing about the theatre for children is that well-known drama and opera classics are adapted for budding theatre fans, allowing them to be introduced to musical theatre.

The Hoheluftschiff offers a unique combination of maritime experience and children's theatre. For visitors, it's cast off and spot on. Every year, 100 to 130 performances take place in the Hoheluftschiff, where children can also show off their skills on stage. The Hamburg Puppet Theatre shows the whole variety of puppet theatre for families, nursery groups, schools and once a month even for adults. Here, classic fairy tales and modern stories are lovingly brought to life in Hamburg's only puppet theatre. The latest addition is the Fundus Theatre, which opened in 2023. Children and adults can discover theatre together here. With interactive and innovative productions, the theatre invites you to think creatively and join in. The aim is to make theatre an experience for all the senses.

© Allee Theater

Allee Theatre – Hamburger Kammeroper

The Allee Theater is the only private chamber opera in Europe and is dedicated primarily to music theater of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Allee Theatre – Hamburger Kammeroper

Allee Theater – Hamburger Kammeroper

Max-Brauer-Allee 76
22765 Hamburg

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© Lina Schmidt

FUNDUS THEATER | Forschungstheater

The FUNDUS THEATER | Forschungstheater in Hamburg's Hamm district offers the best entertainment for children of all ages.

FUNDUS THEATER | Forschungstheater

FUNDUS THEATER | Forschungstheater

Sievekingdamm 3
20535 Hamburg

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© ThisIsJulia Photography

Hamburger Puppentheater

At the Hamburg Puppet Theatre in Haus Flachsland in Barmbek, puppet theatre fans young and old will find a diverse program with weekly changing productions.

Hamburger Puppentheater

Hamburger Puppentheater

Bramfelder Straße 9
22305 Hamburg

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© HoheLuftschiff Kindertheater / Katharina Mock

HoheLuftschiff

The HoheLuftschiff is Hamburg's floating children's theatre. In the middle of the city on the Isebek Canal, the lovingly converted barge invites all families and children to discover the colourful world of theatre.

HoheLuftschiff

HoheLuftschiff

Kaiser-Friedrich-Ufer 27
20253 Hamburg

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ALL THEATRES AT A GLANCE FROM A TO Z Small and large theatres, historic and modern buildings, classical and experimental productions

Hamburg's theatres have something for everyone. Click through the following overview list from A to Z in search of the right theatre for your personal taste.

© 2018 ThisIsJulia Photography

Altona Theatre

Performances on this stage are based on novels; in this manner, they become much easier to understand. Many unique performances are presented here. This house is known for its literary models and historical material. After an eventful history and several moves, it is at home today in the centre of Altona.

Altona Theatre

Altonaer Theater

Museumstraße 17
22765 Hamburg

More
© ThisIsJulia Photography

Deutsches Schauspielhaus

Enjoy culture in a classical atmosphere - at the Deutsches Schauspielhaus the old masters are breathed back into life in new productions.

Deutsches Schauspielhaus

Deutsches Schauspielhaus

Kirchenallee 39
20099 Hamburg

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© ThisIsJulia Photography

Die 2te Heimat

TheTheatre 2te Heimat is now regarded by many Hamburgers as an insider tip, because here you can experience theatre in a completely different way.

Die 2te Heimat

Die 2te Heimat

Phoenixhof, Schützenstraße 21
22761 Hamburg

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© ThisIsJulia Photography

Ernst Deutsch Theater

The Ernst Deutsch Theater is Germany's largest private spoken theatre and regularly presents plays in the field of tension between tradition and topicality.

Ernst Deutsch Theater

Ernst Deutsch Theater

Friedrich-Schütter-Platz 1
22087 Hamburg

More
© Fleetstreet Theater e.V.

Fleetstreet Theatre

The Fleetstreet Theatre offers an exclusive opportunity to observe artists and groups from various fields such as theatre, performance, dance, visual arts, music or film. As part of the residency programme, the theatre offers space and time for research, experimentation and production. The premises of the theatre can be used as a stage and/or gallery space.

Fleetstreet Theatre

Fleetstreet Theater e.V.

Admiralitätstraße 71
20459 Hamburg

More
© Lina Schmidt

FUNDUS THEATER | Forschungstheater

The FUNDUS THEATER | Forschungstheater in Hamburg's Hamm district offers the best entertainment for children of all ages.

FUNDUS THEATER | Forschungstheater

FUNDUS THEATER | Forschungstheater

Sievekingdamm 3
20535 Hamburg

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City area

DISCOVER NOW Current performances

© Jim Rakete

1h22 vor dem Ende
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© Aelita Musiktheater

Der geheimnisvolle Koffer - Aelita
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© Kellertheater

Der Vorname - Kellertheater
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  • 20:00
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© Lohbrügger Bürgerbühne

Die Bremer Stadtmusikanten
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  • 08.12.2024
  • 15:00
  • Stadtteilschule Mümmelmannsberg
© Gemeinfrei Pixabay

Die Prinzessin auf der Erbse - Henneberg Bühne
  • Theatre

  • 07.12.2024
  • 14:00
  • Hospital zum Heiligen Geist (Festsaal)
© Matthew Murphy

Harry Potter und das verwunschene Kind
  • Theatre

  • 06.12.2024
  • 19:00
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© Mediaserver Hamburg / Christian Ohde

Märchenschiffe - Das Theaterschiff
  • Theatre

  • 06.12.2024
  • 10:00
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© Hoftheater Ottensen

Weihnachtsmärchen-Hans im Glück
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  • 06.12.2024
  • 16:00
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DISCOVER NOW Culture & Music in Hamburg

© Daniel Bockwoldt

The right frame for any exhibition Exhibition Houses

Not everything that can be seen in Hamburg comes from museums: the exhibition houses make sure that every exhibition gets the right setting.

Exhibition Houses
© Thomas Huang

Hamburg's funniest places Cabaret & Comedy

Hamburgers don't go to the basement to laugh - they go to the theater, to a stand-up show, to a cabaret and and...

Cabaret & Comedy

From Strauss to Verdi Ballet & Opera

If you like, Hamburg offers many facets of musical stage entertainment: the more than 300-year-old State Opera, the Ballet, the Chamber Opera in Altona or the Opera Loft in the HafenCity.

Ballet & Opera

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