Amsterdam Theaters
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.
Amsterdam Comedy Shows
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 easylaughs 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.
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
Amsterdam Theater
Theater Amsterdam is an airy glass-walled playhouse what sprang up on the waterfront of Amsterdam's Westelijke Houthavens district as a home for 'ANNE', a critically-acclaimed play exploring the life of Anne Frank. The theatre's 45,000 square-foot auditorium means huge sets, and a multilingual translation system lets visitors follow the action in eight different languages.
Address: Danzigerkade 5