The 5 smallest theatres in Amsterdam

You easily walk past Torpedo Theater, a tiny theatre in a narrow alley in the Red Light District. The building was once used as a puppet theatre. On the programme are talk shows, literary evenings, and performances by singer-songwriters and comedians.

The Betty Asfalt Complex is owned by theatre maker, TV writer and comedian Paul Haenen, who’s known for his many satirical characters on Dutch television. The theatre is located in a national monument from the early 18th century. The programme offers cabaret and music performances, as well as literary evenings.

This theatre hosts performances at the interface of performing arts and dance. It’s located in the Veem, a building that offers work spaces for small companies, artists and artisans, and has an exhibition space as well. The former warehouse, built in the 19th century to store luxury goods, was squatted in 1981.

This trend-setting cabaret launched the careers of many popular Dutch comedians. The theatre’s reputation and intimate setting (503 seats) makes it the most-prized venue in Dutch comedy. Its history dates back to 1786. During WWII, it was used as a bicycle parking. It reopened in its current form in 1948.

The former Reformed Pniëlkerk in the Bos en Lommer quarter was converted into a theatre at the beginning of this century. On the programme are world music, cabaret, and theatre and dance performances from the Netherlands and abroad. Theater Café Podium serves dishes from all over the world and has a large patio.