Teatro del Gatto

Teatro del Gatto is a small theatre at Via Muraccio 21 in Ascona, in the Swiss canton of Ticino. For decades it has been one of the lakeside town's key cultural addresses, with a programme that mixes theatre, dance, jazz and cinema.

What is the Teatro del Gatto?

It is an intimate hall with around 230 seats. The stage measures 8 by 9 metres and comes with technical infrastructure, so the space works for more than plays: it also hosts concerts, conferences, assemblies and rehearsals. The modest size keeps the audience close to the performers, which suits jazz sets and comedy particularly well.

What is the history of the building?

The building dates from 1933, when the Ascona youth association had it built. In the 1980s the clown Dimitri ran the theatre, and in 1988 the magician Fantasios took over its management. The theatre was closed between 1994 and 1999. A renovation followed in 2000, and since 2008 the venue has been run by a team of artists coordinated by Gillian McLeod.

What can you see here?

The programme is varied: theatre, dance, cinema and concerts. Jazz has a special place. The concert series is called the Jazz Cat Club. The 2025/26 season focused on vocal jazz, with eleven concerts split between the Teatro del Gatto in Ascona and the Sociale theatre in Bellinzona.

Italian-language comedies also appear on the bill, for example "Stanza 719", announced for 19 September 2026 with adult tickets at CHF 20. That date has passed, so check the theatre's website or the Ascona-Locarno events calendar for current listings.

The theatre also has a social dimension: its programming includes offerings for older people and for young audiences, not only for regular evening theatregoers.

Who is it for?

• Jazz fans looking for concerts in a small room.
• Visitors who understand Italian and enjoy local theatre.
• Travellers who want an evening in Ascona beyond a stroll along the lakefront.
• Event organisers, since the hall can be used for conferences and rehearsals.

Most plays are in Italian, so check the language of a performance before buying a ticket. Jazz concerts, by contrast, are easy to enjoy whatever languages you speak.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Teatro del Gatto? At Via Muraccio 21 in Ascona, in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland.

How many seats does the hall have? Around 230, with a stage of 8 by 9 metres.

When was the theatre built? In 1933, on the initiative of the Ascona youth association.

What events take place there? Theatre, dance, cinema and jazz concerts as part of the Jazz Cat Club.

Do I need to speak Italian? For most plays, yes, but jazz concerts are open to everyone.

Can the hall be hired? The space is suited to conferences, assemblies, concerts and rehearsals. Confirm details directly with the theatre.