Welcome to the 49th season at the English Theatre of Hamburg! This year, we are thrilled to present an amazing array of performances that span across a variety of genres, ensuring an unforgettable theatrical experience for all. From gripping dramas and sharp-witted thrillers to uproarious comedies and contemporary masterpieces, our carefully curated lineup promises an unforgettable season.
Tickets and subscriptions available 1 August!
The invisible hand
by Ayad Akhtar
directed by Clifford Dean
5 September – 1 November 2025
You’re kidnapped by terrorists and the only way out is to raise your own ransom money – by beating the stock market.
When American banker Nick Bright is captured by an Islamic militant group in Pakistan, his prospects are grim. Mistaken for his boss, he holds little strategic value, and no one is coming to negotiate his release. Alone in his cell, Nick has two assets that just might save him: his sharp mind and a deep understanding of global finance. In a desperate attempt, he offers to raise his own ransom money – all $10 million – by manipulating the market.
The Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar (THE WHO AND THE WHAT) has done it again: THE INVISIBLE HAND is an intelligently layered play that probes the intersection of human survival, capitalism, and geopolitics. Drawing its title from the famous concept coined by Scottish philosopher Adam Smith, the play gives theatrical form to the invisible forces that shape global economics – and leaves the audience pondering a haunting question:
Are we prisoners of the system of our own making?
bristles with wit and intelligence
– The New York Times
sensationally gripping
– Los Angeles Times
gaslight
by Patrick Hamilton
directed by Paul Glaser
21 November 2025 – 17 Januar 2026
A play so powerful, it became a verb
While snow falls gently over Victorian London, Bella Manningham is slowly losing her grip on reality. Strange noises haunt her nights. Paintings vanish. Her keys keep going missing. The gaslights dim for no reason–unless her husband isn’t home. Is she following the same tragic path as her mother, or is something more sinister at play?
As Bella teeters on the edge of madness, the sudden arrival of a mysterious ex-detective threatens to shatter her reality once more and expose a terrifying truth. What he uncovers draws the audience into a chilling game of psychological control and deception.
First premiered nearly 90 years ago, GASLIGHT remains as gripping and relevant as ever–a haunting portrait of emotional manipulation that resonates deeply in today’s world. This psychological thriller gave birth to the term “gaslighting”, now an indispensable part of our everyday language.
Don’t miss this psychological classic! Immerse yourself in the shadowy world of days past, where no one can be trusted–not even yourself.
One of the most satisfying theatre adventures
– The New York News
we still have a lot to learn from its insights
– The Guardian
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD
A Christmas Panto for Children aged 3 and up
written, composed and directed by Paul Glaser
27 November – 28 December 2025
AUTHENTIC PANTO – FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HAMBURG
Are you ready for giggles, gasps, and a howling good time? Then make sure you don’t miss this year’s festive treat: LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD, a magical Christmas panto like you’ve never seen before – brought to life by the imagination of Paul Glaser, who wrote, composed, and directed the show!
Bursting with catchy songs, silly jokes, and larger-than-life characters, this playful twist on the beloved fairytale is perfect for children aged 3 and up – and grown-ups who love to laugh.
For the first time in Hamburg, the English Theatre brings the wonder of authentic British panto to the stage. Filled with music and mischief, a panto is the beloved theatre tradition where the audience becomes part of the fun. Meet Little Red Riding Hood like you’ve never seen her before and get ready for a show brimming with surprises and laughter.
So, grab your hot chocolate, bundle up the family, and expect to be whisked away to the magical world of LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD.
And don’t worry: Even children who aren’t fluent in English will be able to follow along — the familiar story, big gestures, and playful performances make it easy to enjoy every moment!
PROOF
by David Auburn
directed by Clifford Dean
13 February – 12 April 2026
With her father dead, Catherine faces a new challenge: holding on to her own mind amidst the chaos he left behind.
Stricken by grief, Catherine is caught in a whirlwind of emotions, standing amid the ashes of her father’s life–a renowned mathematician whose brilliance was overshadowed by mental illness. Isolated from everyone but his daughter, his life ended in incoherence. And Catherine is certain she has inherited more than just his genius.
When her sister Claire returns home to take control of the situation, and Hal–one of her father’s former students–begins to poke around the house, a startling mathematical proof comes to light: one that could shake the entire academic world.
PROOF is the gripping story of sisterhood, fragile trust, and the delicate balance between genius and madness. At its heart are the bonds that hold a family together, the sparks of romance, and the search for proof–both mathematical and personal.
a triumph of humanity
– The Chicago Maroon
an exhilarating and assured new play […] one that is as accessible and compelling as a detective story
– New York Times
ALL NEW PEOPLE
by Zach Braff
directed by Paul Glaser
30 April – 27 June 2026
What could be more annoying than being interrupted while trying to end your own life?
In a sleek New Jersey beach house, Charlie is ready to end it all. He climbs onto a chair, cigarette in hand, prepared for his final, dramatic exit–when the door bursts open. Enter Emma, a fast-talking British real estate agent who stumbles in just in time to ruin his plans.
And she’s only the beginning.
Soon, a fireman-turned-drug-dealer and a high-priced escort arrive, each with their own chaotic baggage. What follows is a wildly funny, unexpectedly heartfelt night where four strangers–all broken in their unique ways–collide and maybe even connect.
Zach Braff’s (SCRUBS and GARDEN STATE) ALL NEW PEOPLE is a darkly comedic look at loneliness, and the bizarre ways we save each other–whether we mean to or not.
comedy with a perky sensibility
– New York Times
delicate, funny
– The Guardian
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