Freilichtspiele Schwäbisch Hall — Festival Summer 2026

100 Years of Theatre on the Stairs

Freilichtspiele Schwäbisch Hall is a German theatre institution with an unusual history. Since 1925 — for over 100 years — theatre has been performed every summer on the monumental staircase in front of St. Michael's Church. The 54 steps leading up to St. Michael's Church form a unique stage with a natural grandstand — the audience sits in opposite rows, looking at the action between the steps. This ingenious setup has made Freilichtspiele Schwäbisch Hall's trademark. Since 2000, the New Globe — a replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in Hall — has complemented the stage landscape.

Nine Productions in 2026

The 2026 season runs from May 17 to September 6 and includes nine productions, evenly distributed between the two venues. On the Great Staircase: 'Kabale und Liebe' (Schiller, premiere June 12), 'Cabaret' (Musical, premiere July 10), 'West Side Story' (Musical, revival premiere August 14), and 'Jedermann' (Hofmannsthal, revival premiere September 2). In the New Globe: 'Der gestiefelte Kater' (Family production, premiere May 17), 'Romeo and Juliet' (Shakespeare, revival premiere June 25), 'Pride and Prejudice (*or so)' (Comedy after Jane Austen, premiere July 31), and 'All the Little Things' (Contemporary drama, revival premiere August 23).

Classics on the Stairs

The Great Staircase productions are in the tradition of classic open-air festivals. Schiller's 'Kabale und Liebe' opens the season on the stairs with a German classic on June 12. 'Cabaret' — the musical about the Weimar Republic shortly before the rise of National Socialism — is a mix of dance, song, and political statement that makes optimal use of the monumental staircase. 'West Side Story' echoes the original choreographic geometry of Romeo and Juliet, and 'Jedermann' — Hugo von Hofmannsthal's adaptation of the medieval mystery play — brings a spiritual dimension to the open-air season.

Shakespeare in the New Globe

The New Globe — a replica of the Elizabethan theatre form built in 2000 — is the second pillar. 'Romeo and Juliet' with a revival premiere on June 25 is part of the regular repertoire. 'Der gestiefelte Kater' (premiere May 17) is the family-friendly opening production of the season, performed for children aged 6 and up. 'Pride and Prejudice (*or so)' — Jane Austen's romantic novel in a comedic adaptation — is set to become a festival insider tip. 'All the Little Things' — Duncan Macmillan's contemporary solo drama — completes the sophisticated program.

Tickets and Season

Tickets are handled centrally by the Tourist Information at Hafenmarkt 3. By phone at 0791 751-600 or by email [email protected]. The box office at the venues opens one hour before the performance. Schwäbisch Hall is located in the Hohenlohe district (specifically, the district of Schwäbisch Hall), and the historic old town with its saltworks buildings, St. Michael's Church, and the Kocher riverbanks form the ideal backdrop for a theatre weekend getaway. Many visitors book hotels in the old town and combine their theatre visit with city walks.