“A gem in Berlin’s theater landscape” That’s how many describe the Altstadttheater Köpenick. Right here before us stands this charming theater. It’s tucked away in the old town of Köpenick directly on the Alter Markt.
The Altstadttheater Köpenick isn’t just a theater. It’s a journey back in time. It started modestly in 2007. Albrecht Hoffmann the current director began by giving tours as Heinrich Zille. The demand was so high he founded Zilles Stubentheater in 2010. It was tiny only 12 seats. He presented Alt-Berliner Kabarett.
In 2016 the theater moved. Its new home was a historic former blacksmith’s shop. This building on Jägerstrasse offered 45 seats. The performances expanded. Zille’s shows were joined by cabaret music theater children’s theater and other acts. Guest performers added to the variety.
Then came the pandemic. Lockdowns and social distancing rules shut down the theater. But Hoffmann saw an opportunity. Empty space in the building’s front section became a second stage. The Altstadtbühne opened in 2021 with more seating. A theater cafe was added too. Both stages now operate often simultaneously.
In 2022 Benjamin Stoll and Loretta Müller joined the leadership. The theater’s name changed. Zilles Stubentheater became the Altstadttheater Köpenick. The theater’s first in-house production was in 2023. It was “Einfach Audrey” a tribute to Audrey Hepburn.
The Altstadttheater Köpenick combines two stages. Zilles Stubentheater is in the historic blacksmith’s shop. The decor is a recreation of 1920s Berlin. The stage and seating blend together. It holds 25 to 35 people depending on whether there’s a dinner event. The Altstadtbühne is larger. It seats up to 60 in air-conditioned comfort. Modern sound and lighting systems make it ideal for productions and guest performances.
The cafe serves guests. It even doubles as a performance space for dinner shows. The actors move among the tables. The Altstadttheater Köpenick truly captures the spirit of old Berlin. It offers something for everyone. Come experience it for yourself.