Theatre entertainment in Amsterdam
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A
Felix Meritis Café
Join the city’s cultural cognoscenti imbibing in this high-ceilinged, quietly refined (think theatrical lighting) cafe in the Felix Meritis Building. Huge windows and clever outdoor seating (you’ll see) overlooking the canal make it a stylish spot for a coffee or cocktail. Sit and ponder the society’s motto carved above the entrance: ‘Happiness through Achievement’.
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Casablanca
Split-personality Casablanca once had a hot reputation for jazz (combos still take the stage early in the week), but now it’s better known as a karaoke madhouse on the weekends. Next door at No 26 is Casablanca Varieté, an intimate cabaret-style theatre where Dutch drag queens, magicians and more take the stage every night but Monday, for just a €5 cover charge.
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Dantzig
Located on the edge of the Stopera, Dantzig is inundated with thespians and theatregoers looking for a quiet bite (stick to the snacks). Relaxing on the expansive riverside terrace, soaking up the beautiful views over the Amstel, is a must. Get a glass of wine and make sure you're overheard deconstructing Sam Mendes' latest directorial efforts.
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Café Schiller
Most cafes would pay a fortune to have Schiller’s fabulous art deco interior, but this is original. Walls are lined with portraits of Dutch actors and cabaret artists from the 1920s and ’30s. Bar stools and booths are often occupied by tippling journalists and artists, and folks tucking into pre- and post-theatre menus.
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Conservatorium Van Amsterdam
Catch a delightful classical recital by students at the Netherlands’ largest conservatory of music in a snazzy new building with state-of-the-art acoustics. The entire structure is built in the Japanese ‘Engawa model’ (think endless glass walls and light-flooded interiors).
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Blincker
The high ceilings, light- and plant-filled interior, and buzzy feel make Blincker a popular theatre cafe. At the rear of the Frascati theatre, it gets crammed with a young student crowd having a pre-theatre meal or post-theatre drinks.
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Occii
A former squat, Occii still maintains a thriving alternative scene and books underground bands, many from Amsterdam. It also runs a children’s theatre – a sign that some of the former squatters have grown up and had kids?
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Openluchttheater
From June to August Vondelpark hosts free concerts in its intimate open-air theatre, and it’s a fantastic experience to share with others. Expect world music, dance, theatre and more.
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Café Vertigo
Bonus: this is both a theatre cafe (in the main hall of the Filmmuseum) and, in nice weather, a great place to linger outdoors watching the cyclists and families go by in the Vondelpark.
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De Balie
The focus here is multicultural and political, in big international productions. De Balie also conducts short-film festivals and debates, and has new-media facilities and a stylish bar.
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Amsterdamse Bos Theatre
This large open-air amphitheatre stages plays in Dutch (Shakespeare, Brecht, Chekhov). We love it when the actors pause as planes pass overhead.
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Theater Bellevue
Come here for experimental theatre, international cabaret and modern dance, mainly in Dutch.
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Star Ferry
The flash cafe at the Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ is hard to beat for boat-and-water views.
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