Teatro Riera

Teatro Riera stands right in the heart of Villaviciosa, in Asturias, on Plaza del Ayuntamiento — locally also known as Plaza de Obdulio Fernández. Built in the 1940s, this historic theatre and cinema remains the main cultural venue for the town and the wider Comarca de la Sidra region.

What is the history behind Teatro Riera?

Construction started in 1942 and wrapped up in 1945. The project was driven by Laureano Riera García, a local industrialist who gave the building its name and funded the undertaking. The design came from architect Fernando Cavanilles Batalla, who gave the theatre a regionalist, historicist look typical of Asturian civic architecture from that era.

The grand opening took place in 1945. The José Alba theatre company staged the very first performance, while the first film shown on screen was "La tragedia de la Bounty" (1935). In 2025 the town marked the theatre's 80th anniversary with a tribute to Cándido Cambiella and a screening of period films.

What made the building unusual for its time?

Unlike most venues of the period, Teatro Riera combined cinema, theatre, and residential and office space under a single roof. That mixed-use layout was an uncommon approach for a town of Villaviciosa's size back in the 1940s.

What does the auditorium look like?

The hall seats 270 people across two levels: the main floor (platea) and a general balcony above. That layout made the space equally suited to film screenings and larger stage productions.

What happens at Teatro Riera today?

The building now belongs to the municipality of Villaviciosa and operates as a working cultural centre. Throughout the year it hosts plays, concerts, film screenings, exhibitions and festivals put on by local performing groups. Every summer, the "Noches de Teatro" (Theatre Nights) series brings both professional productions and shows by local theatre companies to the stage.

Do you need tickets to attend?

Many events at Teatro Riera are free to attend, though some plays and concerts require a ticket. Tickets are typically sold at the box office, which opens an hour before each show, and the current programme is published by the town's cultural department.

Where is Teatro Riera and how do you get there?

The theatre sits on Plaza del Ayuntamiento s/n, right in central Villaviciosa, just a short walk from the town hall and the main sights of the old town. Its central location makes it easy to combine a visit with exploring the historic quarter.

Frequently asked questions

Who financed the construction of Teatro Riera? Local industrialist Laureano Riera García was the main promoter, and the building was designed by architect Fernando Cavanilles Batalla.

When was the theatre built? It was built between 1942 and 1945, opening to the public in 1945.

How many seats does the theatre have? The auditorium seats 270 people, split between the main floor and a general balcony.

What kind of events take place there today? Plays, concerts, film screenings, exhibitions and festivals, including the summer "Noches de Teatro" series.

Who owns the building now? The municipality (Ayuntamiento) of Villaviciosa has owned the theatre for a long time.

Where exactly is it located? On Plaza del Ayuntamiento s/n, in the centre of Villaviciosa, in the Comarca de la Sidra region of Asturias.