Tampere’s best theatres: the most exciting shows in 2026

What is it? Tampere’s largest stage

Why we love it? The main stage at Tampere Workers’ Theatre has built a reputation as a home for musicals and large-scale productions. And there are plenty more to come this year as the theatre celebrates its 125th anniversary. The anniversary production ‘Käräjät’ is based on Markus Nummi’s acclaimed novel about crime and love in a rural Ostrobothnian community. The adaptation is by Sirkku Peltola, the most internationally performed Finnish playwright. Alternating with ‘Käräjät’ on the main stage is the fantasy musical ‘Wicked’, starring the vocally stunning Yasmine Yamajako and Nomi Enckell.

Most exciting show of spring 2026: ‘My Cat Yugoslavia’, based on the novel by Pajtim Statovci, has received glowing reviews. The play follows a family who move from Kosovo Albania to Finland and struggle with feelings of otherness and alienation. This powerful production is not recommended for under 15s.

Autumn show we can’t wait to see: The Cellar Theatre’s ‘The Boy in the Attic, the Boy in the Basement’ offers delicious thrills for children. The story of a mysterious house and friendship is based on the novel by Salla Simukka and JP Ahonen, which was nominated for the Finlandia Prize for children’s and young adult literature in 2024.

For international audiences: Musicals on the main stage are usually performed with Finnish and English surtitles. Information about subtitled performances in 2026 is available in the accessibility section of Tampere Workers’ Theatre. Instructions for downloading the translation app can be found in the translation app user guide.

Address: Hämeenpuisto 28–32

Programme and tickets: Tampere Workers’ Theatre

What is it? A beautifully restored theatre gem

Why we love it? Tampere Theatre is the city’s most beautiful theatre. The 1913 building has undergone a major renovation, making the main stage better suited than ever for productions with striking sets, lighting and movement. These are on full display in the musical ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, which tells the story of the arrival of sound film. Silent film stars Lina Lamont (Pia Piltz) and Don Lockwood (Tuukka Raitala) face a crisis when acting without dialogue is no longer enough and they must master spoken performance. The other major production on the main stage, ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, explores an even deeper crisis. Edmond Dantès is wrongly imprisoned, losing his love and reputation. Upon his release, he embarks on a revenge mission that will have your heart racing.

Most exciting show of spring 2026: ‘Rakkaudesta sähköön’ is a pitch-black comedy that dares to laugh at loneliness and death. This physical comedy by Marc Gassot and Karl Sinkkonen follows the embittered Markus, whose only companions are his imaginary friends Yksi and Näisyys. A show for those who think they’ve seen it all.

Autumn show we can’t wait to see: ‘Saa rumiakin tanssittaa’ tells the story of Suomi-Filmi icon Siiri Angerkoski. Known for her sharp comedic roles, such as Justiina in the Pekka Puupää films, beneath the tough exterior lay sensitivity and pain. Pinja Hahtola’s monologue will be performed in October at the Frenckell stage.

For international audiences: ‘Romeo and Juliet’ will feature Finnish and English surtitles as well as Finnish audio description during Friday evening and Saturday matinee performances in spring. Instructions for downloading the translation app can be found in the translation app user guide.

Address: Keskustori 2 and Frenckellinaukio 2

Programme and tickets: Tampere Theatre

What is it? Tampere’s most luxurious entertainment theatre

Why we love it? There’s always something happening at Tampere Comedy Theatre. Its latest move is the purchase of the restaurant theatre known as Tuulensuu Palatsi. Now renamed Komediateatteri’s Palatsi, it’s one of the most stunning performance venues in Tampere. The venue’s official opening will be celebrated in August with the Broadway comedy ‘Tootsie’. The show follows unemployed actor Michael Dorsey, who, in desperation, turns up to an audition dressed as a woman. The joke becomes reality when Michael starts landing roles as Dorothy Michaels. In addition to standard tickets, show & dinner packages are available, including both the performance and a meal.

Most exciting show of spring 2026: The Comedy Theatre is also one of Tampere’s key children’s theatres. This spring, the beloved Karlsson-on-the-Roof flies onto the main stage, entertaining children throughout the summer. Meanwhile, the summer theatre offers adults laughs with the fast-paced farce ‘Perfect Wedding’.

Autumn show we can’t wait to see: Alongside comedy, the theatre specialises in suspense. The stage has already hosted Inspector Palmu and Sherlock Holmes, and this autumn sees crimes solved by Icelandic detective Hildur, familiar from the books by Satu Rämö.

Address: Lapintie 3 a and Hämeenkatu 30

Programme and tickets: Tampere Comedy Theatre

What is it? Bold theatre for children and young people

Why we love it? Ahaa Theatre is one of the few theatres in Finland that always includes a production aimed at young people over 13. Loneliness, friendship, family relationships and sexuality are all themes that concern teenagers, explored here with both courage and sensitivity. ‘Yökirjeitä’ deals with a young person’s experience of abuse. Based on the novel by Mila Teräs, the play is empathetic and safe. The programme also includes fun productions for younger children, such as ‘Molli and the Great Tent Adventure’. The forest adventure of Molli and Sisu is suitable for children aged 3 and up.

Most exciting show of spring 2026: ‘Between the Bark and the Tree’ is a play about bullying aimed at primary school children. Lonely Severi gains attention through his social media videos, but his popularity threatens his only friendship. Must he choose, or could bullying end altogether?

Autumn show we can’t wait to see: Also premiering in autumn, ‘Arvet’ tackles bullying and loneliness. Aimed at audiences over 13, the play explores bullying that adults don’t see, but which can leave lasting scars on a young person.

Address: Hatanpään valtatie 6 a

Programme and tickets: Ahaa Theatre

What is it? A politically engaged art theatre

Why we love it? Theatre Telakka is the intimate performance space of the cultural venue Telakka. Instead of large-scale musicals, the stage hosts experimental theatre, monologues and co-productions with smaller companies. The ecological murder mystery ‘Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead’ is a dark revenge comedy where humans become victims and animals the predators. ‘Love and Capitalism’, directed by Tommi Silvennoinen, represents physical theatre in which the body is as important as words. Whatever’s on at Telakka, you won’t leave bored.

Most exciting show of spring 2026: ‘Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead’ runs at Telakka until the end of March. Based on the novel by Polish Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk, Hanna Kirjavainen’s adaptation will have you howling with both laughter and fear.

Autumn show we can’t wait to see: In 2011, ‘Queen Games’ premiered at Telakka, telling the story of the power struggle between Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart. This autumn sees its sister piece ‘Kuningatarhillo’, bringing the fierce battle for power between women into the present day.

Address: Tullikamarinaukio 3

Programme and tickets: Theatre Telakka