Teatro Amaya

Teatro Amaya is a theatre in the Chamberí district of Madrid, housed in a building that started life as a mid-20th-century cinema. It has since grown into one of the city's established stages, blending its cinematic past with a modern live-performance programme.

How did the building become a theatre?

The venue on Paseo del General Martínez Campos opened its doors as Cine Amaya back in 1952 and kept running as a cinema for over five decades, until 2003. That year, actor Moncho Borrajo and director Alberto Blasco took over the property and carried out a major renovation to convert it into a proper theatre space. The relaunched Teatro Amaya was inaugurated in 2003 and has been part of Madrid's cultural circuit ever since.

Where exactly is Teatro Amaya and how do you get there?

The theatre sits at Paseo del General Martínez Campos, 9, right in the middle of Chamberí — a district known for its residential feel while still being close to the city centre. Getting there is straightforward: metro lines 1 and 7 stop at Iglesia station nearby, several bus routes serve the area (16, 3, 37, 5 and 61), and commuter rail lines C1, C10 and C7 also connect to the neighbourhood. With this many transport options converging on one spot, reaching a show rarely requires much route planning, whichever part of Madrid you're coming from.

What kind of shows does Teatro Amaya put on?

The programme at Teatro Amaya spans a wide range of genres — comedies, dramas and musicals all feature regularly. The calendar also makes room for zarzuela festivals, opera and dance productions, giving the venue broad appeal across different tastes. Family audiences are covered too, with shows aimed at children scheduled alongside the main line-up. Beyond stage performances, the building doubles as an exhibition space from time to time, hosting painting and photography displays.

What is the auditorium and technical setup like?

Teatro Amaya can seat up to 627 people. The stage has a 9-metre proscenium opening, a full lighting rig and motorised fly bars, which together allow the venue to handle everything from intimate plays to larger musical productions. Backstage, performers have five dressing rooms at their disposal. Accessibility has also been considered, with designated spaces reserved in the auditorium for wheelchair users.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Teatro Amaya? The easiest way is by metro, on lines 1 or 7 to Iglesia station, a short walk from the entrance. Bus routes 16, 3, 37, 5 and 61 also serve the area, along with commuter train lines C1, C10 and C7.

How many seats does Teatro Amaya have? The auditorium holds up to 627 spectators.

Since when has the building operated as a theatre? It ran as Cine Amaya from 1952 until 2003, when it was acquired by Moncho Borrajo and Alberto Blasco, renovated, and reopened as a theatre.

Is Teatro Amaya accessible for wheelchair users? Yes, the auditorium includes designated spaces for visitors using wheelchairs.