Theatre and Film in Eindhoven

Theatre and film in Eindhoven range from big musicals and dance productions to a retro cinema with subtitled films. On this page you will find all upcoming theatre performances, dance shows and special film screenings in Eindhoven.

Parktheater Eindhoven

The Parktheater Eindhoven on the Elzentlaan, on the edge of the Stadswandelpark, is the city's main theatre. It started as the municipal theatre (Stadsschouwburg) in the 1960s and reopened in 2007 under its current name after a major renovation and extension. The main hall seats more than 900 people, and a second, flexible hall can be used both as a theatre and with a flat floor.

The programme is broad: musicals, dance, opera, Dutch cabaret, drama, children's theatre and concerts. Most drama and cabaret is in Dutch, but dance, opera (with surtitles), many musicals and family shows are easy to follow without speaking Dutch.

Film: LAB-1 and more

For film, LAB-1 on the Keizersgracht is a favourite. It describes itself as a cosy retro cinema with several rooms for film, music, club nights and events. Foreign films are shown with subtitles, and the listing tells you whether the subtitles are Dutch or English ("NL SUBS" or "ENG SUBS"). LAB-1 also organises themed movie nights and film festivals.

Good to know: in the Netherlands, films in cinemas are almost always shown in their original language with Dutch subtitles. Only children's films are usually dubbed into Dutch, often with a separate screening in the original version.

Dance and performance

Eindhoven has a strong link with design and technology, and you see that in the performing arts too. During Dutch Design Week and GLOW, performances often mix dance, light and technology, and many of them are free and outdoors.

Tips for theatre and film in Eindhoven

• Check the language. For theatre, look for "in English", "surtitles" or "no language required". Dance and music theatre usually need no Dutch at all.
• Dress code. There is none. People go to the theatre in everyday clothes.
• Arrive on time. Dutch theatres start on the minute, and latecomers may have to wait for a suitable moment to enter.
• Drinks at the interval. Many theatres let you order your interval drink in advance at the bar, which saves queuing.
• Getting there. The Parktheater is about a twenty-minute walk or a short bus ride from Eindhoven Centraal; LAB-1 is in the city centre.

Family shows

Theatre for children is a big part of the programme in the Netherlands, especially in the school holidays and around Christmas. Many family shows are in Dutch, but puppet theatre, dance and circus for children often need very little language. Look for an age recommendation ("vanaf 4 jaar" means from age 4) on the show page.

Add your performance

Are you a theatre maker, dance company or film organiser with a show in Eindhoven? Add it to the calendar for free; we will check it and publish it in English. For more evening plans, see our nightlife guide, or our ideas for rainy days.