Tampere’s best theatres: the most exciting shows right now

What is it? A stage for Tampere’s most spectacular musicals.

Why we love it? The Tampere Workers’ Theatre (Tampereen Työväen Teatteri) has earned its place as one of Finland’s finest musical theatres. Its grand stage offers height, depth and scale, with productions that dazzle the eye as well as the mind. True to its working-class roots, the theatre balances crowd-pleasing entertainment with socially engaged drama. Last year, Seela Sella and Timo Torikka stunned audiences in Eichmann – Where the Night Begins, a powerful play about the nature of evil. This year, The Flies (Kärpäset), directed by Sirkku Peltola and starring Martti Suosalo, Aimo Räsänen and Petra Ahola, has been both a critical and popular triumph. TTT also collaborates widely, hosting a range of experimental partnerships and guest performances.

Most exciting show of late 2025: Directed by Samuel Harjanne, Beauty and the Beast is being billed as TTT’s biggest musical ever – and it’s easy to see why. This Disney classic delights not only children but also the adults who once watched it on VHS.

Unmissable show of the spring season: When Väylä premiered at Helsinki’s Teatteri Jurkka in October, it quickly sold out. Based on Rosa Liksom’s novel, this play about the Lapland War will be staged in TTT’s Kellariteatteri in spring, in collaboration with Vapaa Teatteri, Teatteri Jurkka, Lahti City Theatre and Tampere Workers’ Theatre.

For international audiences: Selected performances of Beauty and the Beast include English subtitles. You can find the subtitled showtimes here and download instructions for the translation app here.

Address: Hämeenpuisto 28–32

What is it? An institutional theatre boldly breaking gender boundaries.

Why we love it
When its main stage was closed for renovation, Tampere Theatre rose to the challenge with a spectacular staging of The Lord of the Rings at Tampere Hall – complete with gender-neutral casting. The much-praised Frodo was played by Ella Mettänen. Now the main stage is back in use, and the theatre continues to subvert gender norms in its classic repertoire. In Paavo Westerberg’s production of Romeo and Juliet, the title roles are performed by Meri Luukkanen and Anna Böhm. Oliver Twist, a visually striking production at Frenckell, is performed by just five actors who switch between sideburns and hoop skirts at breakneck speed, regardless of gender.

Most exciting show of late 2025: Niskavuoren nuori emäntä (The Young Mistress of Niskavuori) is a Finnish theatre staple, but Tampere Theatre has reimagined it with flair. Teppo Järvinen’s set design and the soundscape by Jan-Mikael Träskelin and Hannu Hauta-aho amplify the story’s intensity. The Niskavuori family now lives in a glass house – where love is anything but private.

Unmissable show of the spring season: Marc Gassot and Karl Sinkkonen’s For the Love of Electricity is a darkly funny comedy about Markus, a man soured by life. Directed by world-renowned clown Aitor Basauri, the nearly wordless show promises physical comedy that transcends language barriers.

For international audiences: From 28 November 2025 onwards, Romeo and Juliet will include Finnish and English subtitles, as well as Finnish audio description. These are available for Thursday and Friday evening performances and Saturday matinees.

Address: Keskustori 2 and Frenckellinaukio 2

What is it? Tampere’s funniest theatre, offering entertainment for all ages.

Why we love it? At Tampere Comedy Theatre, laughter comes in every form – from classic comedies and door-slamming farce to stand-up and parody. The sharp comic timing shines in the theatre’s show & dinner evenings, which combine performances with a buffet meal. The venue is also the cradle of Tampere’s stand-up scene, best known for the Jukka Puotila Show. Even the littlest theatregoers are well catered for, with family favourites like Ransu’s Christmas Play and Ella and Paterock, a musical based on Timo Parvela’s beloved Ella book series.

Most exciting show of late 2025: Mika Waltari’s Gabriel, Come Back has been playing to packed houses and glowing reviews. Kristo Salminen charms as the scheming womaniser Gabriel, alongside Sanna Majanlahti, Karoliina Kudjoi and Matleena Junttanen.

Unmissable show of the spring season: The stage version of Keeping Up Appearances continues its successful run into a third year. It’s a delightful tribute to Patricia Routledge, who made Hyacinth Bucket an icon of British comedy.

Address: Lapintie 3 A

What is it? A theatre dedicated to children and young people.

Why we love it? Teenagers can be a tough crowd to reach – which is why there are so few Finnish theatres creating work just for them. Ahaa Theatre is one of the rare exceptions, with a programme that always includes at least one production aimed at audiences aged 13 and over. The theatre doesn’t shy away from difficult themes, tackling topics like sex and loneliness with warmth and sensitivity. But adolescence isn’t all angst – in Ahaa’s auditorium, every emotion from tears to laughter feels welcome. There’s also plenty for younger kids, such as Molli and the Great Camping Trip, based on Katri Kirkkopelto’s popular picture books.

Most exciting show of late 2025: Night Letters is a story for ages 13 and up about Frida, a girl who has been through something terrible. She processes her experience through the letters she writes at night. Based on Mila Teräs’s novel, the play is a touching and reassuring portrayal of the shame surrounding abuse.

Unmissable show of the spring season: Premiering in February, Between a Rock and a Hard Place is aimed at primary schoolers and explores bullying as well as the envy triggered by social media popularity – something that affects almost every age group today.

Address: Hatanpään valtatie 6 A

What is it? A thought-provoking professional theatre.

Why we love it? Theatre Siperia was founded in 2005 by a group of theatre professionals determined to create art on their own terms. For 20 years, it has produced ambitious, experimental and boundary-pushing theatre. Its works don’t always comfort the audience – they challenge, disturb and provoke reflection. One such piece is the acclaimed Endgame by Samuel Beckett, which explores power dynamics around migration and physical immobility. Siperia is also a theatre without borders, collaborating with other companies and staging bespoke performances on request.

Most exciting show of late 2025: The Grip Almost Held, performed in the Tampere Workers’ Theatre’s Kellariteatteri, is a harrowing portrayal of Finland’s child welfare system in the 2020s – a stark reminder that theatre’s purpose isn’t only to entertain or soothe.

Unmissable show of the spring season: The spring premieres haven’t been announced yet, but Siperia’s commissioned repertoire includes several intriguing plays. Apo Apponen is a children’s piece about everyday adventures, while The First Ones celebrates women who shattered glass ceilings. These productions are performed by request in workplaces, nurseries, schools – even living rooms.

Address: Väinö Linnan aukio