It turns out that English-language theatre is thriving in Budapest, if you just know where to look.
For all you English-speaking expats who long for a taste of the entertainment found in your native countries, seek no more! Budapest has several local groups that put on plays, readings and other English-language performances on a continuing basis, especially during the winter months.
In addition, there are often touring companies that come through town with specialty shows, musicals, theatre and other forms of live entertainment.
English-language theatre in Budapest
A brand new theatre: Időutazók Társulat – Circus Vaudeville
There are seven charismatic characters, five true stories from the magical world of the circus – The Időutazók Társulat (Time Traveller Theatre) produces circus, theatre and vaudeville!
In their circus-theatre show, you can meet the faces of the past, artists who walked the same streets as you, only years, decades, even centuries ago.
DramaWorks
In 2018 DramaWorks produced the Pulitzer-Prize and Tony Award-winning play ‘Proof‘, a professional production in Spirit Színház. ‘Proof’ by David Auburn is an English language play starring professional actors – Sloan Thompson, Faye Bradbrook, Scott Alexander Young and Dan Stroiman.
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Red Ball Theater
In 2015 Red Ball Theater brought Chicago-style improv to the Hungarian capital. Their theater is not comedy but rather an exploration of human connection that goes deep down the rabbit hole of the human experience. They are best known for their classes where they turn introverts into artists, artists into leaders and leaders into visionaries.
With over a hundred students in the last three years they are the true melting pot of Budapest where expats and locals develop true friendships. Open workshops are every Wednesday with topics ranging from storytelling to characters, status and power to public speaking. The theater is in an intimate basement on Gyulai Pál utca 5, two minutes from Blaha.
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Asterion Project
Asterion Project is known for its no-holds-barred approach to interpreting classic material. Check them out HERE.
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Scallabouche
Scallabouche is a long-standing Hungarian and English-speaking troupe that puts on a wide repertoire of dramas along with their famous improv evenings. Check their website for upcoming performances.
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Great Venues
MÜSZI
Müszi is an artist-run centre based on the upper floors of a former shopping plaza at Blaha Lujza Tér. It has creative studios, a bar and an exhibition space. It also hosts workshops and theatre productions. Its website is here; click on the drop-down list for Programs and Event categories.
Bethlen Téri Színház
Bethlen Téri Színház, in Budapest’s VIIth District, has a mostly Hungarian website, where their occasional English language performances often have an English language blurb.
Atrium
Atrium is a Buda site that was supposed to fill the gap left by the former Merlin International Theatre, but it seems they are now mainly putting on Hungarian shows. There are some infrequent English productions, but their website is mostly in Hungarian.
A Little Something Extra
Gift of the Gab
Gift of the Gab is an independent entertainment offering participants the chance to showcase their public speaking skills in planned and impromptu scenarios. Check their website for more information.
Brody Studios
Brody Studios in Vörösmarty utca also puts on special plays and readings from time to time. They are easily found on Facebook.
And one final word:
When you attend one of these shows, be sure and hang around for a drink afterwards and talk to your fellow audience members and actors to see what they recommend in the way of upcoming performances. There is still a lot of English-language entertainment in Budapest if you just know where to look for it.