Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre - Her Majesty's Theatre. Home of The Phantom of the Opera.
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Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre

4.7
·4k reviews·Gdańsk, Poland

A modern architectural marvel inspired by Elizabethan theatres, hosting international performances and the renowned Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Open-air cinema & pleasant weather

CrowdMedium
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Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre - Her Majesty's Theatre. Home of The Phantom of the Opera.

Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre

Best Time

Summer evenings

Open-air cinema & pleasant weather

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A modern architectural marvel inspired by Elizabethan theatres, hosting international performances and the renowned Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival.

4.7
(4k reviews)

"A unique cultural gem blending modern design with the spirit of the Elizabethan era."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Festival Tickets Early

The Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival is popular; secure your tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment.

🪑 Choose Seating Wisely

Be aware that some seating is bench-style without backs, which can be uncomfortable for long shows.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Elizabethan-Inspired Interior

The Elizabethan-Inspired Interior

Main Auditorium

Step back in time with a wooden stage and galleries reminiscent of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

Retractable Roof Performances

Retractable Roof Performances

Main Auditorium

Experience the magic of open-air theatre with the innovative retractable roof, perfect for summer shows.

The Striking Exterior Architecture

The Striking Exterior Architecture

Exterior

Admire the fortress-like, modern design that stands in contrast to its historical theatrical inspiration.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Popular Shows

Tickets for performances at the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre, especially during the renowned festival, can sell out quickly. Consider booking in advance to secure your spot for a memorable theatrical experience. Reddit

Comfortable Seating Considerations

While the theatre's design evokes Elizabethan charm, some seating can be less than comfortable for extended periods. Opt for seats with back support if available, or be prepared for a unique, albeit potentially stiff, experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Open-air cinema & pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium
When
During Shakespeare Festival
Why
International productions
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Which side quest do i have to do in order to unlock this building in Gdańsk???

🎟️ Book Festival Tickets Early

The Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival is popular; secure your tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment. Reddit

🪑 Choose Seating Wisely

Be aware that some seating is bench-style without backs, which can be uncomfortable for long shows. Reddit

reddit.com

4 nights in Gdansk, day trip to Warsaw?

reddit.com

A smart villain will equip their lair with a retractable roof. This makes for dramatic entrances and quick getaways!

🗣️ Check Translation Options

If you don't speak Polish, confirm if real-time translation screens are available and visible from your seat. Reddit

☀️ Enjoy the Open-Air Cinema

During summer, the theatre hosts an open-air cinema on its roof – a unique experience! Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Festival Tickets Early

The Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival is popular; secure your tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment. Reddit

🪑 Choose Seating Wisely

Be aware that some seating is bench-style without backs, which can be uncomfortable for long shows. Reddit

🗣️ Check Translation Options

If you don't speak Polish, confirm if real-time translation screens are available and visible from your seat. Reddit

☀️ Enjoy the Open-Air Cinema

During summer, the theatre hosts an open-air cinema on its roof – a unique experience! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre for its unique architecture, blending modern design with Elizabethan charm, and its role in hosting the renowned Shakespeare Festival. However, some find the seating uncomfortable and note potential issues with translation visibility during performances.

"The Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre is a unique cultural gem that blends modern design with the spirit of the Elizabethan era. Opened in 2014, it was inspired by Gdańsk’s 17th-century theatre tradition and built on the site where English actors once performed Shakespeare’s plays.

From the outside, it looks like a dark, fortress-like structure — but inside, it holds a wooden stage and galleries reminiscent of Shakespeare’s Globe. One of its most impressive features is the retractable roof, which allows for open-air performances.

The theatre hosts international productions and the renowned Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival, bringing classic and modern interpretations of Shakespeare to life. It’s a place where history, art, and architecture meet — and a must-visit for any theatre lover in Gdańsk."

Yarys

"Modern building with classy interior. Programs in this theater vary with different types of events. During summer there is an open air cinema on the theater roof."

Vira Green

"The actually space and investment in the scenography and set design are incredible. It is no doubt a very professional artistic undertaking. I will say the seating is a bit odd, it’s stadium seating, without individual seats, just one long hard wooden row with no seat back, which becomes quite uncomfortable after a certain length of time. Nice attempt at a throwback to the Globe with its standing pit but oy, Why go through all that when you can sit? Plus when you sit above the ground floor, the first row with the railing is great until you realize that the metal railing is at a height that you either have to croon your neck under or over. Oy. Plus the real-time translation is only on a screen directly above the back of the stage, meaning if you’re sitting in a side wing like we were, it’s impossible to both read the text and watch the performance. And sometimes the acoustics and enunciation were such, that the words would have come in handy. As the actual performance itself, The Tempest (in Polish), it was like every other modernist piece of Theater on the Polish stage. Full of lots of spectacle and frenetic energy and absurdist staging and. Grotesque elements that completely engulf the audience’s attention and detract from the actual beauty which is the beauty of the great bard Shakespeare. I doubt I’ll come back anytime in the next year or so, and if I do, it would be only for a classical stage - stick to the basics, please, you have what otherwise is a great venue and platform for it."

Arthur Henry Janik

What People Like

Unique architecture
Elizabethan-inspired interior
Shakespeare Festival

What People Dislike

Uncomfortable seating
Translation visibility

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre is centrally located in the Old Town. You can easily reach it by walking from most central Gdańsk attractions. Public transport options include trams and buses that stop nearby. If driving, be aware that parking in the Old Town can be limited and costly. Reddit

Yes, several tram and bus lines stop within walking distance of the theatre, making it easily accessible via public transport from various parts of Gdańsk. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient routes. Reddit

Parking near the theatre can be challenging due to its Old Town location. There are paid parking lots and street parking available, but they often fill up quickly. Consider using public transport or a taxi if possible. Reddit

Yes, the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre is situated in the heart of Gdańsk's Old Town, making it a convenient destination for tourists exploring the city. Reddit

From Gdańsk Airport (GDN), you can take a train or a taxi to the city center, and then proceed to the theatre. The train is often a cost-effective and efficient option. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can be purchased online through the official theatre website (Reddit), at the box office, or through authorized ticket vendors. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular performances and the Shakespeare Festival. Reddit

The theatre's opening hours vary depending on performance schedules. It's best to check the official website for specific showtimes and box office hours. Reddit

Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Check the theatre's website or inquire at the box office for current discount policies. Reddit

While some tickets might be available on the door, it's highly advisable to book in advance for the Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival as performances often sell out. Reddit

The theatre features a unique design inspired by the Globe Theatre, with some areas offering bench-style seating without backrests. This can be uncomfortable for some patrons during longer performances. Reddit

🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience

The theatre hosts a variety of performances, including classic and modern interpretations of Shakespeare, as well as other international theatrical productions. It's also known for its renowned Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival. Reddit

Information on guided tours is not widely available. It's best to check the official theatre website or contact them directly to inquire about any available tours of the venue. Reddit

Yes, during the summer months, the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre hosts an open-air cinema on its roof, offering a unique viewing experience. Reddit

The interior is designed to evoke the spirit of Elizabethan theatres, with a wooden stage and galleries. It's a visually pleasing space that blends historical inspiration with modern functionality. Reddit

Real-time translation screens are sometimes available, typically positioned above the stage. However, their visibility can be an issue for those seated in side wings. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While specific dining facilities within the theatre might be limited, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars in the surrounding Old Town area, offering a wide range of culinary choices. Reddit

Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into the performance hall is not permitted. It's best to consume refreshments before or after the show, or check the theatre's specific policies. Reddit

The area around the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre is rich with dining options, from traditional Polish cuisine to international flavors, cafes, and pubs. You'll find plenty of choices to suit any taste. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography and videography are typically not allowed during performances to avoid disturbing the audience and performers. Check with the theatre staff for specific rules regarding photography in public areas or before/after shows. Reddit

The unique exterior architecture and the interior's Elizabethan-inspired design offer great photo opportunities. The open-air cinema on the roof in summer is also a picturesque setting. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre is a cultural gem, its focus on adult theatrical productions and potentially uncomfortable seating might not be ideal for very young children. However, families might enjoy the summer open-air cinema on the roof, which offers a more relaxed and visually engaging experience for a wider age range. Reddit

If attending a play, consider the length and nature of the performance. For older children or teenagers interested in theatre, the unique architecture and the chance to see international productions could be a fascinating experience. It's advisable to check the specific show's content and duration beforehand. Reddit

🎭 Theatre Aficionados

For dedicated theatre lovers, the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre is a must-visit. Its architectural homage to the Globe, coupled with its role as host to the prestigious Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival, makes it a significant cultural landmark. The opportunity to see diverse international productions in such a historically resonant venue is unparalleled. Reddit

Be prepared for the theatre's unique seating arrangements, which aim for historical authenticity but can impact comfort during longer shows. Prioritizing tickets for festival performances will ensure you experience the theatre at its most vibrant. Reddit

🏛️ History & Architecture Buffs

The theatre's design is a fascinating blend of historical inspiration and modern execution. Its exterior, a stark, fortress-like structure, contrasts dramatically with the interior's Elizabethan-inspired wooden stage and galleries. The fact that it's built on the site of a former 17th-century theatre adds a rich layer of historical significance. Reddit

Don't miss the retractable roof, a marvel of engineering that allows for open-air performances, and the overall aesthetic that aims to transport visitors back in time. It's a prime example of how contemporary architecture can thoughtfully engage with the past. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvel: A Blend of Old and New

The Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre is a striking example of modern architecture designed to honor historical theatrical traditions. Its exterior is a bold, dark, fortress-like structure, a stark contrast to the warm, wooden interior that draws inspiration from the 17th-century theatre where English actors once performed Shakespeare. This deliberate design choice creates a unique atmosphere, bridging centuries of performance art. Reddit

The theatre's most innovative feature is its retractable roof, a testament to its commitment to versatile performance spaces. This allows for breathtaking open-air productions, particularly during the summer months, echoing the original spirit of the Globe Theatre. The interior boasts stadium-style seating and a standing pit, aiming to recreate the immersive experience of Elizabethan playhouses, though some visitors find the seating arrangements less than comfortable for extended viewing. Reddit

Opened in 2014, the theatre was built on the very site where English actors historically staged plays. This historical connection is palpable, making it more than just a venue but a living piece of Gdańsk's cultural heritage. It's a place where architectural ambition meets a deep respect for theatrical history, offering a truly distinctive visitor experience. Reddit

The Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival Experience

The Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival is a cornerstone of the theatre's programming, attracting international troupes and audiences alike. This renowned event celebrates the enduring legacy of Shakespeare, showcasing both traditional and avant-garde interpretations of his works. It's a prime opportunity to witness diverse theatrical approaches from around the globe, all within the unique setting of the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre. Reddit

Attending the festival offers a deep dive into contemporary theatre trends and the timeless power of Shakespeare's narratives. Visitors can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with passionate theatre-goers and critically acclaimed productions. Due to the festival's popularity, securing tickets well in advance is crucial, as many performances tend to sell out quickly. Reddit

Beyond the main stage, the festival often includes related events, discussions, and workshops, providing a richer cultural experience. It's an essential event for theatre enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience the pinnacle of Shakespearean performance in a historically significant location. Reddit

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