Weyher Theater

Nestled in the charming town of Weyhe in Lower Saxony, Germany, the Weyher Theater stands as a beacon of cultural vibrancy and entertainment. As the largest private theater in the region, it has become a beloved institution, delighting audiences with its professional boulevard theater productions, primarily focusing on comedies, many of which are original works.

The Origins of Weyher Theater

The roots of the Weyher Theater trace back to the “Lahauser Bühne e.V.,” an amateur drama group founded in 1938 in Weyhe-Lahausen. Known for their performances in Low German, members like Hella Hanewinkel, Kay Kruppa, and Antje K. Klattenhoff were instrumental in its success. Driven by a desire to perform in High German, they eventually formed their own ensemble, culminating in the establishment of the “Weyher Theater e.V.” in 1997. Their performances, such as “Geld stinkt nicht” and “Ewig rauschen die Gelder,” quickly gained popularity, leading to sold-out shows at various venues.

The Birth of a Permanent Home

The vision for a dedicated theater space in Weyhe materialized thanks to the efforts of Hella Hanewinkel, who, during the first “Weyhe total” event in September 1997, pitched the idea to Heinz-Hermann Kuhlmann, the developer of the Weyhe marketplace. Despite initial skepticism, the project garnered support from local businesses and investors, leading to the formation of the Weyher Film-Theater GmbH & Co. Veranstaltungs-KG. The dream became a reality when the Weyher Theater opened its doors on October 6, 2000, with the German premiere of Barry Creyton’s comedy “Valentinstag.”

Rising to Prominence

The theater’s early years were challenging, but under the artistic direction of Kay Kruppa and the management of Heinz-Hermann Kuhlmann and Frank Warnecke, it soon found its stride. In June 2002, Frank Pinkus joined as a dramaturg, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous role at the Theaterverlag VBB in Norderstedt. This dynamic duo’s knack for selecting popular plays and creating original works tailored to their ensemble’s strengths significantly contributed to the theater’s success.

One of the theater’s first major hits was Kay Kruppa’s production of Ray Cooney’s farce “Komm rüber, Schätzchen” in September 2001, which played to sold-out audiences. The following year, Frank Pinkus’s musical comedy “Why Not?” became a long-running favorite, with 149 performances over several years.

Expanding the Theater

As the theater’s popularity grew, so did the demand for more seating and larger productions. In 2009, the theater underwent a significant expansion, increasing its seating capacity from 198 to 313 and adding a state-of-the-art revolving stage. This expansion allowed for more elaborate and flexible stage designs, enhancing the overall audience experience.

The official reopening took place on August 21, 2009, with a celebration attended by staff, investors, and local dignitaries. The first performance in the newly renovated theater was a preview of Frank Pinkus’s comedy “Crazy,” which received an enthusiastic response from the audience.

Continued Success and Innovation

Over the years, the Weyher Theater has continued to thrive, with numerous successful productions that have captivated audiences. Highlights include Ray Cooney’s “Rente gut, alles gut” in 2010 and the biographical musical “Cash,” which chronicled the life of Johnny Cash and ran for 189 performances over five years.

In 2011, the theater further expanded its facilities with the addition of a new workshop and backstage area, allowing for more efficient set changes and storage of elaborate stage designs. This expansion proved invaluable for productions like “Zweimal lebenslänglich,” based on Stephen King’s work, which featured an impressive prison set.

A Hub of Cultural Activity

The Weyher Theater is not just a venue for evening performances; it also hosts a variety of events, including children’s theater and musical performances. The annual Christmas fairy tale has become a beloved tradition, with productions like “Jim Knopf und Lukas, der Lokomotivführer” delighting young audiences.

In recognition of their contributions to the arts, Kay Kruppa and Frank Pinkus were awarded the Culture Prize of the Diepholz district in 2018. The prize money was generously donated to local community projects, further cementing the theater’s role as a pillar of the Weyhe community.

Looking to the Future

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily halted performances in 2020, the Weyher Theater remains a resilient and cherished institution. With a rich history of innovation, creativity, and community engagement, it continues to be a beacon of cultural excellence in Lower Saxony. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Weyhe, a night at the Weyher Theater promises an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, drama, and the magic of live performance.