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You are here: Home / Things to do in Vienna / Cinemas and theatres in Vienna

Cinemas and theatres in Vienna

Since the national language in Austria is German, you might think stage or screen entertainment could prove a little tricky for non-speakers. Not so.

Cinemas

BurgkinoThere are around 30 cinemas in the city, ranging from giant multiplexes showing Hollywood blockbusters to small art cinemas. Seven can be described as international or English cinemas, regularly showing films in the original English (some only ever show English-language films).

This is not (just) for the benefit of the international community – young Viennese in particularly use these films to expand their language skills or to simply enjoy the performances in the actors’ own voices, rather than dubbed into German.

Check daily newspapers for listings or there are a couple of good online versions, like Film.at or Skip (in German, of course). At film.at check the “OV” box and it will only display films in the original language.

Theatres

King Lear placard in GermanWith all the fuss about Vienna’s classical music tradition, a longstanding reputation as a haven for theatergoers often slips past unnoticed. The problem for the visitor to Vienna, of course, is that nearly all theater productions are in German.

There is one notable exception, though.

Vienna’s English Theatre is the oldest of its kind in mainland Europe. Most productions are in English, but it has also featured French and Italian performances. Some of the world’s greatest acting talents appeared there, including Oscar-winners Judi Dench and Anthony Quinn, as well as the likes of Larry Hagman and Jean-Paul Belmondo.

The most famous of the German-language theatres is the Burgtheater, opposite city hall. Read more about the Burg’s history and discover some interesting trivia about the place.

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