Spectacular Entertainment – An Unforgettable Evening at the Royal Carre Theater

Adopting a luxurious

position on the banks of the Amstel River, the beautiful Koninklijk Theater

Carre has enjoyed over a hundred years of success, simultaneously charming audiences

with its welcoming atmosphere whilst tantalising patrons with performances of

unsurpassed quality. Taking heed of such a prestigious reputation, I decided to

see for myself whether this historical institution lives up to its privileged

status as the country’s most popular theatre.

Originally utilised solely for circus productions, the

theatre opened in the winter of 1887 under the renowned expertise of Oscar

Carre, becoming an immediate sensation with the city’s residents. Ultimately

branching out to incorporate a variety of diverse shows, the establishment

continued its prosperous streak until the 1960s, when plans were finalised to

convert the theatre into a hotel. The municipality of Amsterdam thankfully

intercepted, granting the venue monumental status and injecting much needed

revenue into the organisation. In 1977, this revitalised setting became the

capital’s official theatre and subsequently changed its title to the Royal

Carre to mark its hundred year anniversary.

Currently providing an exalted stage for a host of gifted

artists, including singers, dancers, comedians, cabaret stars, acrobats and

everything in between, the Royal Carre marks the epitome of a successful

career, ensuring a top quality repertoire for incoming guests. Whilst primarily

focusing on Dutch talent, the theatre also offers performances for an

international crowd, such as the Chinese State Circus, a 2000 year old

traditional art form that constituted my first Carre experience.

The building’s exterior is already impressive, sporting

a Neo-renaissance style that continues behind the imposing facade. I had booked

my tickets online in advance, which is highly recommended as the majority of

shows tend to sell out quickly, so I headed straight for my seat in one of the

uppermost galleries. The auditorium itself is instantly striking, generous in

size and luxuriously accommodating, yet manages to radiate a convivial essence

that grants an informal quality to proceedings, effortlessly blending grandeur

with cosiness.

The seats were comfortable and both the acoustics and the

view were excellent, although I would perhaps suggest a position closer to the

stage for events that require particular engagement with the acts, for example

opera, which of course comes at a higher price. However, for a circus show it

was ideal to take a step back and enjoy the thrilling action from a distance,

allowing you to observe the full scale of the death defying stunts, creating a

more dramatic and jaw dropping experience.

Indeed, the circus did not fail to exceed my expectations

with its vibrant use of colour, expertly arranged sets, gripping musical

accompaniment, extraordinary acrobatics, and its general vigour and vitality

that continuously exploded from the platform. The audience were simply wowed,

me included, offering waves of appreciation after every rousing act,

electrifying the atmosphere even further. The closing performance was met with

rapturous applause, concluding a thoroughly pleasurable and memorable evening.

Even though we did not take advantage of it that night,

the Royal Carre houses a highly regarded restaurant entitled Oscars, serving

European, primarily French, cuisine, which can be found in the building’s upper

level and reputedly affords magnificent views across the city, something to

bear in mind for any visitors seeking a convenient place to dine preceding a

performance. Guided tours are also available for anyone unable to procure

tickets to a show, providing a fascinating insight into the history,

architecture and behind the scenes happenings of this prestigious

establishment.

It is fair to say that the Royal Carre Theater

certainly lived up to its illustrious reputation, combining superlative talent

and exceptional presentation with a stunning setting, an achievement and

experience that I will cherish for many years to come.

For

more information regarding upcoming events and for a chance to purchase

tickets, check out the Carre’s website at

carre.nl

.