Concert Halls and Theatres

Moscow has more than 60 theatres. Unlike those in many other countries most are repertory theatres. This means that a different production is staged every night. It is therefore crucial that those wishing to see a particular production check beforehand when it is on.

The Moscow Arts Theatre stages a wide repertoire, but it is particularly famous for its productions of Anton Chekhov’s plays.

In contrast, the Lenkom Theatre produces musicals and plays by contemporary Russian playrights.

The Maly Theatre, which is situated across the street from the Bolshoy, is worth visiting since it was Russia’s first drama theatre and played a major role in the development of Russian theatre. In Moscow you have a wide choice of theatres: Dramatics, Puppet, Animal, Mime and Gesture, Gypsy, European and Musical.

See ALL THEATRES IN MOSCOW LINK

Useful tips:

Visitors who speak Russian will be able to buy cheaper tickets from a theatre ticket kiosk. These kiosks are scattered all around the city and in metro stations. Another alternative is to book tickets at the venues. Although these tickets are usually the cheapest, it can require a lot of patience to obtain them since ticket offices open at unpredictable hours and do not usually sell tickets more than three days in advance. There are ticket scalpers outside most events, especially those at the Bolshoy Theatre. However, there is a risk that their tickets are counterfeit and they will almost certainly be overpriced. By far the easiest way to book tickets for a concert, a ballet, an opera or a theatre performance is through one of the main international hotels, even for visitors not staying there.

Although you will rarely find any English-speaking staff in these theatres, they will usually have programmes in English on sale. This will not only help you follow the plot, but will also be a nice souvenir.