Entertainment in Mandalay

Top ChoiceEntertainment in Mandalay

Colourfully costumed dancers perform around 10 dances from a larger repertoire. Some give human form to traditional stories of local folklore, while others are examples of typical Burmese slapstick – perhaps a comedic drunkard or the jokily incompetent, moustachioed U Shwe Yoe tumbling off the stage as he fails to impress his beau.

Top ChoiceEntertainment in Mandalay

At this puppet theatre, colourful marionettes expressively re-create snippets of traditional tales on a tiny stage. Occasionally a curtain is lifted so that you can briefly admire the deft hand movements of the puppeteers (one's an octogenarian), who have performed internationally. You can also buy puppets at this new location at the foot of Mandalay Hill.

Entertainment in Mandalay

This classic a-nyeint group became world famous in the 1990s when their jokes and rants against the Myanmar government brought them a string of prison sentences and a name-check in the Hugh Grant flick About a Boy. The show, long since performed entirely in English, is an odd mix of vaudeville, Burmese theatre and political satire, and remains a classic Mandalay night out.

Entertainment in Mandalay

Hidden on the 5th floor of this big shopping centre are a three-screen cinema, several fast-food eateries and a concert hall with occasional Myanmar rap and pop gigs.

Entertainment in Mandalay

Large stadium seating more than 31,000 people that's home to Mandalay's Yadarbon FC. It's south of downtown, out near the old airport.

Entertainment in Mandalay

A small stage in the garden of this recently renovated and spacious beer station provides live music from local bands, usually featuring covers of Burmese pop songs. No cover, cheap beer and sizzler-plate meals where the main vegetable is roast garlic.