Brussels is rich in English-language theatre, if one knows where to look. The Brussels Times spoke with the city's theatre community to help those looking for performances in English find their way.
Most of the city's theatre companies fall under the umbrella term of 'amateur theatre', with passionate thespians volunteering their time to produce, create and act in the shows.
Despite the somewhat negative connotations of the word, William Mulhern of the Irish Theatre Company told The Brussels Times that the amateur theatre groups are kept under a "good, healthy and creative pressure" to produce quality shows, as expectations in Brussels are higher due to the scarcity of English theatre compared to French or Dutch theatre.
Information for most theatrical performances in the city appears on this website when tickets go on sale. For an overview of the different groups and what to expect, The Brussels Times' English-language theatre guide will tell you all you need to know.
Brussels Shakespeare Society (BSS)
The Shakespeare Society found a name for itself in Brussels in the 1970s, and – as their name suggests – brings plays by or relating to Shakespeare to the Belgian capital two to three times annually. They also host the Summer Festival in June every other year.
The BSS' production of 'The Tempest' in March 2023. Credit: The Brussels Shakespeare Society
As well as their upcoming production of Mike Bartlett's 'King Charles III' in late October, the BSS will also hold its second playwriting competition later this year. Last year, the winner represented the Society at the Festival of European Anglophone Theatrical Societies (FEATS).
Find out more about the BSS on their Facebook page here.
The ECC has been active in Brussels for around 120 years and puts on three plays annually: one in autumn (between September and November), one in spring (between March and May) and a pantomime. The 'panto' is a beloved British tradition that the ECC performs in January when the expat community returns from their Christmas holidays.
The ECC 'Panto' in 2020. Credit: The European Comedy Club / Facebook
The club also hosts a two-week summer camp at the Warehouse Studio Theatre in Schaerbeek, which is where many amateur theatre groups rehearse and perform.
At the camp, eight teachers guide around 40 children per week through various types of stagecraft including building sets, stage combat, makeup, sound, lighting and more.
Find out more about the ECC on their Facebook page here.
The ITG has been performing in Brussels since the 1980s and specialises in Irish theatre, bringing a collection of classical and contemporary Irish plays to the stage.
Credit: The Irish Theatre Group / Facebook
The group puts on two performances every year (one in autumn and one in spring). They also perform plays by new writers in Brussels.
Find out more about the ITG on their Facebook page here.
The American Theatre Company (ATC)
Having been firmly established in Brussels for over 50 years, the ATC is committed to bringing American culture to Brussels through plays by American authors.
A scene from 'Baby Boom'. Credit: The American Theatre Company / Facebook
The company stages three shows every year. Their main production showcases classics, such as the dark comedy 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' which the company performed for its 50th anniversary in 2019.
The other two productions are performed at the Warehouse Studio Theatre in Schaerbeek. One usually brings Broadway shows to Brussels and the other, called 'Studio Nights', opens the stage for novices to the theatre scene with experimental theatre and new plays.
Find out more about the ATC on their Facebook page here.
European Theatre Club Brussels (ETCetera)
The ETCetera theatre group takes the international theatre scene to a whole new level, offering plays both in English and other European languages. In addition, the theatre group puts on two to three smaller plays – each in a different language, such as French or Spanish. Every play performed by ETCetera is entirely subtitled.
A scene from 'La Grande Duchesse de Gerolstein' in June 2023. Credit: European Theatre Club - Brussels / Facebook
Find out more about ETCetera on their Facebook page here.
Brussels' English-language theatre's newest member is The Bridge Theatre, a professional theatre which established itself in the city in 2021. The theatre has since staged two shows with professional actors from the UK, as well as local talent.
Actors from the play 'Lungs'. Credit: Reset
The productions put on by The Bridge are focused around socially-relevant themes, such as their latest production 'Lungs' in May.
Find out more information about The Bridge here.
