The capital of Catalonia is considered to be famous for its architecture and painting, but theatre is also an integral part of Barcelona’s culture. Many theatres are open throughout the city with performances in English, Spanish and Catalan. In recent years, more and more new productions have been staged, which are popular with the general public. This article will review some of Barcelona’s most popular theatres.
El Gran Teatre del Liceu is second only to La Scala
One of Barcelona’s most beautiful architectural landmarks, El Gran Teatre Del Liceu, is better known to the locals as Liceu.
The theatre building was built in 1847. The fire that occurred in 1994 almost completely destroyed the theater. But the city authorities brought it back to life very quickly. A thorough reconstruction of the 19th century mansion ended in October 1999. And, having preserved its ancient appearance, this theatre is now equipped with excellent acoustics and lighting with the latest theatrical technology and technical developments. The new auditorium seats up to 2300 people.
Without even attending the performance, tourists can go to the opera house for an excursion. They will see a foyer, large and small mirror halls, backstage, as well as a cafe and souvenir shop.
Gran Teatre del Liceu is one of the greatest opera houses in Europe, second only to La Scala in Milan and ahead of La Fenice in Venice. Liceu has created world-class Catalan stars such as Jose Carreras and Monserrat Caballe. For the past two decades, the greatest opera singers of our time have performed here: Jose Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Monserrat Caballe, Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi. Every year, it hosts the largest Wagner Festival outside Bayreuth. Barcelona’s opera will always occupy a special place in the heart of the audience.
Gran Teatre del Liceu is located at La Rambla, 51-59 just a few steps from La Boqueria Market. La Rambla is the city’s main pedestrian tourist street. It starts from Plaça de Catalunya and ends in the old port at the Columbus Monument, stretching for almost a kilometre. The green L3 metro line takes you here. Exit at Cataluña, Liceu and Drassanes stations.
Capitol Club
The Capitol Club opened in 1926 as a cinema, and in 1989 it was transformed into a theatre. The building has two auditoriums, one for 520 seats and the other for 260 seats. The fact that the theatre is small makes the atmosphere very cozy. All sorts of shows, musicals and cabaret take place on stage, but comedies are more popular with the audience.
The Capitol Club is located at La Rambla, 138. It is the same street where the Gran Teatre del Liceu is located.
Teatre Tivoli
The grandiose Teatre Tivoli, originally built in 1919 as a cinema, became a theatre in 1982. It is the second largest theatre in Barcelona after the Liceu. Its auditorium is designed for 1683 spectators. It has a very cozy atmosphere and excellent acoustics. The most popular city productions take place on the stage. Musicals are especially popular. Rock and pop artists often perform. Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello and Radiohead have toured here.
Teatre Tivoli is located in the heart of Barcelona, near Plaça de Catalunya, at Carrer de Casp, 8. within walking distance of the Ronda Sant Pere bus stop (buses no. 60, 61, 62, 64, 65). It is also a two-minute walk from the Rda. Sant Pere – Pl. De Catalunya bus stop (buses no. 7, 9, 11).
Teatro Coliseum
The Coliseum is a historical and architectural monument of the 1920s. During the civil war in Spain, the building was endangered by air raids in 1937, but withstood. Teatro Coliseum is both a theatre and a cinema, located in the immediate vicinity of two large and famous streets: La Rambla and Passeig De Grácia. Musicals, comedies and concerts are held here in a magnificent atmosphere.
Teatro Coliseum is located on Spain’s longest street, in the heart of Barcelona, at Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 595. Nearest bus stop: Balmes – Gran Via (bus no. 5, 7).
Teatre Lliure
It was founded in 1976 by a group of theatre professionals, and today it is considered one of the most prestigious theatres in Spain. It hosts various performances of Spanish theatrical troupes, as well as its own productions. Teatre Lliure has its own permanent orchestra, which is known for its jazz and classical programmes. The theatre’s mission is to discover new artists and promote the stars. The main profile is experimental and futuristic theatrical performances.
Teatre Lliure is located at Passeig de Santa Madrona, 40-60. The theatre is reachable by bus no. 22, 24, 27, D40, by L7 train or use the green L3 metro line.
Teatre Apolo
Teatre Apolo is one of the oldest and most outstanding theatres in Barcelona. However, the original building was demolished in the early 1990s and replaced by a hotel and new theatre. The stage hosts popular performances, regular cabaret shows and unique concerts by famous artists. The stage features both international theatrical works and world-famous musicals.
Teatre Apolo is located in the Montjuic area, Av. del Paraŀlel, 59. Use the purple L2 line or the green L3 metro line. In both cases, exit at Estación de Paral-lel. It is also possible to get to the same stop by bus no. 20, 21, 64, 88, 121, D20, H14, N0 and N6.
Teatre Victoria
Teatre Victoria opened in 1916 and was renovated in 1992. The atmosphere and style of this theatre is very cozy and comfortable. The hall is characterized by excellent acoustics, good lighting, the latest technology, but typical red chairs and red theater curtain. There are comedies, musicals (usually in Catalan), operas, flamenco and hip-hop shows, popular music concerts and modern plays, as well as reinterpretations of classical plays.
Teatre Victoria is located at Av. del Paraŀlel, 67. It is on the same street as Teatre Apolo. That’s why you can also get here.
The theatrical life of the Catalan capital is quite saturated. Both regional and international artists and ensembles perform on the stages of the city. Fans of classical or modern plays, dramas or comedies, musicals or alternative audiovisual shows, dances or operas will easily find the theatres to suit their tastes in Barcelona.
