In Vienna there is always plenty of room for humour. This has also left its mark on the cabaret scene of the Viennese stage world. Thus there are several much-visited cabarets in Vienna that, as a fan, you should definitely not miss.
A small list of the most important Viennese cabarets is intended to give you an overview:
First of all, the Stadtsaal on the Mariahilfer Straße shopping mile is regarded as the first port of call when it comes to Viennese cabaret. Because here you will encounter the grandees of the cabaret scene. Celebrated cabaret artists such as Thomas Stipsits, Alfred Dorfer and Lukas Resetarits have their appearances here.
In addition, the Stadtsaal, as the former ballroom of the inn “Zum blauen Bock”, is also a historic institution dating back to the 19th century. Today the Stadtsaal offers space for 422 people, as well as a programme with its finger on the pulse of the times!
Kabarett Niedermair, too, presents cabaret formats of top quality worth seeing and hearing. But the focus of this house is on up-and-coming cabaret artists, who are to be helped here towards a breakthrough.
Another address is the Orpheum, which alongside first-class cabaret is also known for exquisite concerts. Among others, stars such as Science Busters, Josef Hader and Alfred Dorfer have their appearances here.
Something special is also the Globe Wien. Because this theatre space in Neu Marx is modelled on Shakespeare’s historic Globe Theatre in London. Particular highlights in the production history of the Globe Wien were, among others, “The Most Lamentable and Wholly Unknown Marriage Tragedy of Romeo & Juliet” or “The Incredible Tragedy of Richard III”.
Not to be forgotten is Kabarett Simpl in the Wollzeile in the 1st district. Founded in 1912, the “Bierkabarett Simplicissimus” has, under Niavarani’s direction, meanwhile become one of the most important cabaret stages in Vienna. As early as the 1930s, Fritz Grünbaum and Karl Farkas made their career start here.
Small but mighty. That is how one could describe the cosy theatre in the Alsergrund. Here, as a spectator, you definitely have eye contact with the cabaret artists, no matter where you sit.
The 17th district can offer its charming event centre Metropol. Here concerts and cabaret alternate.
Around the main stage you sit on 550 seats in a semicircle. For smaller circles there is also the small stage “Metropoldi” as well as the historic open-air stage “Pawlatschen-Bühne”.
In the middle of a municipal housing complex in the 3rd district, a versatile venue of Vienna has established itself since the 1930s. The original workers’ assembly hall is today an independent theatre for contemporary political satire. While political cabaret is the speciality of the Rabenhof Theatre, you can also take part here in literary evenings, a children’s theatre or a musical.
Last but not least: the CasaNova. This legendary stage lies right next to the no less legendary Café Hawelka in the city centre of Vienna. The CasaNova was not only a filming location for the film “The Third Man”, but has also given a stage to cabaret greats such as Josephine Baker, Viktor Gernot and Sagan. A speciality of the CasaNova is musical cabaret.
