Theatres in Madrid
Madrid has a varied schedule of theatrical performances and many opera houses. Many musical shows are performed at the theatres on the Grand Via and are well worth seeing. It’s most famous theatre is located in the city centre and is called the National Madrid Theatre. The theatre is extremely distinctive with a Spanish revival style both inside and out and a luxurious interior decorated with beautiful, ornate plaster painted in brilliant Spanish reds and blues. The theatre was constructed in 1925 and has the capacity to hold 800 people. Popular plays such as 'Cats', 'Phantom of the Opera' and 'Evita' have been staged here. The Teatro Real or Royal Theatre was constructed in 1850 on the orders of Queen Isobel II and provides one of the world’s best settings for opera. The theatre was closed for many years but reopened in 1966 and since then has hosted the Eurovision Song Contest amongst a multitude of other excellent performances.
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Teatro Alfil
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Address: Calle del Pez, 10
Phone: +34 91 521 45 41
e-mail: info@teatroalfil.com
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Price: 12 - 20 EUR
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Website: http://www.teatroalfil.com/
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The Teatro Alfil is a relatively new theatre in Madrid that was created a decade ago and is situated in the mecca of culture and art lovers near Gran Via. The
theatre itself, although officially considered mainstream, frequently presents
alternative and avant-garde performances ranging from stand-up comic shows
to sharp satires. The venue is largely known among the theatre public in Madrid
as a centre of humour and comedy, having hosted the Internacional Teatro de
Humor in the past. A large majority of the performances are in Spanish and
because text and dialogue play a crucial role, these performances can be barely
understood without a solid knowledge of the language. The theatre hall is
small and cosy with a capacity of approximately 200. The ambience
is made particularly hearty and intimate by the bar serving drinks near the
stage.
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El Canto de la Cabra
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Address: San Gregorio, 8
Phone: +34 91 310 42 22
e-mail: cantodelacabra@terra.es
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Price: 8 - 10 EUR
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Website: http://www.elcantodelacabra.com
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Situated in the middle of the bustling Chueca district, El Canto de la Cabra is one of the most fascinating theatre venues in Madrid. The performances held
here are predominantly comedies and humorous works of contemporary
Spanish and foreign playwrights. Apart from presenting these innovative plays,
the company (by the same name) that owns the spot sets a large number of its own productions on the stage. The space is quite limited with only 70 seats being
available, but this contributes to the hearty and casual atmosphere. In the
summer months, however, the theatre organises open-air performances on the
patio - an event that is the only one of this kind in the Spanish capital.
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Albeniz
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Address: Calle de la Paz, 11
Phone: +34 91 531 83 11
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Wonderfully situated in the middle of the old town of Madrid, the Albeniz Theatre
belongs to the institutions of great importance for the development of Spanish
theatre through the years. Established in 1945, it continues to be one of the
largest and most spacious theatres in the region with a capacity of 1,040 seats.
The theatre provides a stage for performances of different genres, including drama
and classical plays, ballet, dance shows, and even opera or zarzuela. The place
is particularly popular as venue of annual flamenco events like the Caja Madrid
Flamenco Festival and Flamenco Dance Choreography Competition. Furthermore,
the Albeniz Theatre maintains long-lasting beneficial collaboration with the
National Ballet of Cuba.
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Sala Triangulo
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Address: Calle de Zurita, 20
Phone: +34 91 530 68 91
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Price: 10 - 12 EUR
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Website: http://www.teatrotriangulo.com/
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Sala Triangulo is considered the best alternative theatre venue in Madrid and a great platform for emerging young authors and performers. Lovers of such type of performances should not miss the avant-garde and adventurous interpretations of well-known plays, as well as the original surrealistic works of creative newcomers. The theatre is open from Thursday to Sunday and some of the performances start after midnight. On the premises of the theatre, visitors will find a trendybar for relaxation and socialisation before or after the performances.
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Teatro Arlequin
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Address: San Bernardo, 5
Phone: +34 91 542 95 18
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This tiny new theatre is to be found in the bustling quarter around Gran Via where
most theatres and art institutions are concentrated. The place was a former
cinema that was refurbished by the founder and current owner of Teatro Arlequin Enrique Cornejo. The capacity of the venue is relatively small, but the atmosphere is remarkably hearty, due partially to the black and white interior. The theatre can
rely on some of the brightest Spanish actors and actresses and its schedule
features above all contemporary comedies and dramatic pieces.
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Teatro Alcazar
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Address: Calle de Alcala, 20
Phone: +34 91 532 06 16
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One of the most remarkable theatre venues in Madrid is Teatro Alcazar, lying right in the centre of the old town in close proximity to Puerta del Sol. Apart from being a celebrated centre of dramatic arts in the Spanish capital for a long time, the building itself represents a valuable architectural monument with its imposing structure and fascinating neo-classical facade. The theatre was inaugurated in the 1920s and was used to form a first-class entertainment complex together with the adjoining casino, restaurant and dance hall. Nowadays, the large auditorium with 813 seats hosts some of the most successful plays of all time, performed by a company of talented actors and actresses.
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Centro Cultural de la Villa
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Address: Plaza de Colon
Phone: +34 91 575 60 80
e-mail: ccvillademadrid@munimadrid.es
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Price: 12 - 27 EUR
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This prestigious cultural centre is among the most polyvalent institutions of this
type in Madrid and one of the most favourite spots of local art lovers and their guests. Set in a lively and beautiful setting in the heart of the capital, among impressive monuments and fascinating gardens and fountains, Centro Cultural de la Villa has always attracted various public with its exhibition gallery, puppet theatre and, of course, the main stage where many performances of contemporary or classical drama, zarzuela, ballet and musicals have been presented.
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Ensayo 100
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Address: Raimundo Lulio, 20
Phone: +34 91 447 94 86
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The Ensayo 100 theatre lies in a lively quarter in the heart of the Spanish
capital, and is famous for its large number of diverse cultural attractions. It is one
of the renowned theatre venues in Madrid and was founded by the Argentinian
Jorge Eines in 1995 and since then has acquired the reputation of a serious
institution focusing mainly on unconventional plays by less recognised authors.
The intellectual character of the place is complemented by the classical plays
that often stay on the programme. Over the last few years, the theatre has promoted and supported children's acting by launching drama classes for kids which are currently held every Tuesday and Saturday. The hall has a capacity of around 150 and is owned by the fringe theatre company of the same name, which always presents its original productions here.
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