Helsinki's best theatres

What is it? Avant-garde and experimental to the core, Takomo delights anyone who loves theatre that takes risks.

Why we love it: Takomo follows its own path, often creating small-scale cultural phenomena. The cave-like performance space adds to its unique atmosphere. Their newest performance Massif is a spatial experience that invites you to dive into sound and light, into closeness and distance. Language doesn’t matter here – loudspeakers, visuals, a performer and the audience create a shared sensory space where sound can be seen, touch heard and time felt, an intimate yet collective immersion.
Fredrikintori, Fredrikinkatu 18, Punavuori.

What is it? Helsinki’s leading Swedish-language theatre, a functionalist landmark on the edge of Esplanadi Park. The theatre has increasingly focused on welcoming expats and travellers, adding English subtitles and even staging some productions partly in English.

Why we love it: Svenska Teatern’s broad repertoire, from dramas to big musicals, attracts non-Swedish speakers too. The hugely popular fantasy adventure Ronja Rövardotter (Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter), suitable for both children and adults, is subtitled in English. A new addition to the repertoire, Förgät mig (Forget Me), is a contemporary drama about Gunnel, a woman who spent her career within the EU’s bureaucratic machine and whose final wish is to erase herself completely. Inspired by a true story, writer-director Milja Sarkola’s latest play explores one woman’s deliberate disappearance from the world. The production includes English subtitles – and plenty of English dialogue, too.

Pohjoisesplanadi 2, City Centre.

What is it? A few years ago, Espoo Theatre copied the late musician Prince and changed its name to a symbol: &. Luckily, the change was more than cosmetic, and the theatre has become one of the most exciting on the capital’s cultural map.

Why we love it: You don’t come here for the architecture – this might just be Finland’s ugliest theatre – but the programme is among the most international. Espoo is home to a large expat community, and & caters to them with mobile app subtitles for non-Finnish speakers. Each spring, it hosts the &fest, an international theatre festival.

Revontulentie 8, Tapiola.

What is it? NoName Theatre is an intimate black-box theatre dedicated entirely to English-language performances and events. It’s the go-to spot for anyone looking to experience live theatre in English in Helsinki.

Why we love it: Let’s be honest – even many locals don’t realise this little gem exists. Yet it’s the only fully English-language theatre in the city, run with passion and a real sense of community. The productions may be amateur, but the spirit is pure dedication: bringing stage art to life for Helsinki’s international crowd.

Hietaniemenkatu 7 B, Etu-Töölö.

What is it? Finland’s largest professional theatre, beautifully set beside the park at Tokoinranta. While most shows are in Finnish, all musicals on the Big Stage are subtitled in English and Swedish, making them accessible to more audiences.

Why we love it: Helsinki City Theatre isn’t afraid to entertain. It’s best known for its large-scale musicals and family shows. The theatre’s current production, Astrid Lindgren’s The Brothers Lionheart, comes with English subtitles, available through the Subtitle Mobile app on your phone. The performances by the Helsinki Dance Company are not tied to language and can be enjoyed without any knowledge of Finnish.
Ensilinja 2, Hakaniemi.

What is it? The wild child of Swedish-language theatre, based in Jätkäsaari. Many productions are also in English, and others can often be followed via mobile app subtitles.

Why we love it: The name says it all: at its best, Viirus is a cultural virus that spreads new ideas through the city. Expect the unexpected – and the occasional nervous cough from the audience. Even the show descriptions at Viirus are cryptic enough to defy explanation, so go with your gut – or just pick one at random.

Välimerenkatu 4, Jätkäsaari.

What is it? The Swedish-language stage of Helsinki City Theatre, located on Yrjönkatu.

Why we love it: Lilla Teatern delivers high-quality productions time after time. On stage until the end of the year is Hyenans dagar (The Days of the Hyena) by Saara Turunen – and it’s easy to follow even with limited Swedish. True to Turunen’s signature style, the play is more visual and musical than verbal, tracing a woman’s journey from fertility treatments to motherhood. You’ll get the story even if your first language isn’t Swedish – or even if it’s Urdu.

Yrjönkatu 30, Kamppi.

What is it? The grand granite National Theatre stands proudly beside the Central Railway Station, its façade guarded by a statue of Aleksis Kivi, Finland’s national writer. There’s no mistaking it: this is hallowed ground for Finnish culture.

Why we love it: Founded in 1872, the National Theatre is the country’s oldest Finnish-language professional stage. It wears its history with pride but never stiffness – alongside lavish productions and classics, you’ll find comedies, experimental works and intimate musical pieces. This iconic theatre has been adding English subtitles to selected productions, making them more accessible to non-Finnish speakers.

Läntinen Teatterikuja 1, City Centre.

What is it? Tucked away in Kruununhaka, Jurkka is Finland’s smallest professional theatre – so small it calls itself a 'professional room theatre'. There are just 51 seats.

Why we love it: Jurkka turns its small scale into an art form. With just one or two actors on stage, its productions are intimate and intense. Expect a mix of Finnish premieres and fresh takes on classics.

Vironkatu 7, Kruununhaka.