Magic Land Théâtre

Magic Land Théâtre is an intimate cabaret-style theater in the Schaerbeek district of Brussels, known for absurdist humor and improvisation. It occupies a building at rue d'Hoogvorst 8-14, which became its permanent home in 1994.

Where does the name and history of this venue come from?

The name refers both to the performance venue and to the artistic troupe founded in 1975 by Patrick Chaboud, who still serves as its artistic director today. The company began as a traveling puppet theater and settled permanently in Belgium in 1978. Over the following years, the artists developed several stage formats - from street theater (seasons in 1983-1988 and again in 2006) to indoor productions performed in enclosed halls, a format that has been part of the repertoire continuously since 1987.

What does the hall look like and what does the café-théâtre format mean?

The current venue, opened in 1994, was designed in the café-théâtre style - the audience sits very close to the stage, encouraging direct contact with the performers. The hall seats around 170 people. This architectural choice matches the character of the repertoire: shows are full of anachronisms, wordplay, and absurdist humor, touching on themes ranging from the legend of Ali Baba to stories with a science-fiction undertone.

Who performs on the Magic Land stage?

The ensemble brings together comedians, musicians, dancers, magicians, stilt-walkers, and specialists in improvisation and absurdist comedy, sometimes referred to as "gag brigades." Besides regular shows at their home venue, artists associated with Magic Land Théâtre take part in street animations and outdoor events. The theater also has a television chapter to its history - productions tied to the show "Lollipop" and the character Malvira, which helped raise the brand's profile beyond the stage itself.

What is the theater's connection to the Zinneke Parade?

Magic Land Théâtre takes part in coordinating and designing the scenography for the Zinneke Parade - a recurring, colorful street parade held in Brussels that brings together residents from different neighborhoods and artistic backgrounds. The troupe's involvement in this event shows that the theater's activity extends well beyond its own walls into the broader cultural landscape of the Belgian capital.

What has happened to the theater in recent years?

In November 2017, Magic Land Théâtre lost the public subsidies allocated for the 2018-2022 period, putting the institution in a difficult financial position. Despite this, the theater continued operating and expanded its offering - the vaulted cellars beneath the main hall were converted into an escape room, blending the venue's character with a popular new entertainment format.

Who is this place for?

Magic Land Théâtre is a good option for visitors looking for an unconventional, intimate evening in Brussels - a mix of theater, cabaret, and situational comedy performed in close contact with the audience. The closeness between stage and seats, typical of café-théâtre, gives each show a more personal feel than performances in large, traditional theater halls. It is also an interesting stop for anyone curious about Brussels' independent cultural scene and its alternative-theater history.