Waldbühne Heessen – Summer Season

Open-air stage in the woods

The Waldbühne Heessen is a traditional amateur open-air stage in the Heessen district of Hamm. It is located directly in the woods, has about 1,500 seats, and is part of the tradition of Westphalian open-air theatre – a format that has a strong folk tradition, especially in Westphalia and the Sauerland region. Every summer, a triple theatre programme is created here, supported by volunteer actors, set designers, and technicians.

When and where is the season?

The 2026 summer season runs from Monday, May 25 to Monday, August 31, 2026, at the Waldbühne Heessen. Three plays will be performed in rotation; the exact schedule will be published shortly before the season begins on waldbuehne-heessen.de.

The three plays in 2026

1. "Jim Button & Luke the Engine Driver" – for children

Michael Ende's famous children's book story, adapted for the open-air stage. Jim Button, Luke, and Emma the locomotive travel from the Kingdom of Little China to Dragon City and on to Mandala. A family play with a large stage set, many transformations, and live music.

2. "Hui Buh – The Castle Ghost" – for families

The friendly ghost Hui Buh, known from radio plays, children's books, and cinema, is looking for a new home. A family comedy with special effects, mild spooky moments, and lots of humour – ideal for children aged eight and up and adults with a sense of friendly nonsense.

3. "Kein Pardon – The Musical" – for adults

The musical adaptation of Hape Kerkeling's 1993 cult cinema hit. Heinz Lohmann dreams of show business, lands with the despotic showmaster Sonderbar, and experiences the madness of the entertainment industry. A wickedly funny play with hits, Hape homages, and plenty of local Westphalian flavour.

Waldbühne Heessen e.V.

The organiser is Waldbühne Heessen e.V. The association is run entirely by volunteers, with about 200 participants per season. Actors, direction, set construction, costumes, technical support, catering, admission – all done in-house. This high level of self-sufficiency is its core identity: the Waldbühne is a true community stage, not a profit theatre in disguise.

Heessen and Hamm

Heessen is a district in the north of Hamm, with Heessen Castle (now a boarding school) and a long theatrical tradition. Hamm itself, with around 180,000 inhabitants, is an independent city on the eastern edge of the Ruhr area, known primarily as a railway hub and for the Maximilianpark with its glass elephant. The Waldbühne Heessen is one of the city's cultural highlights.