Have you ever felt the magic of a long-standing theatre? Aveny-T in Copenhagen stands proudly on Frederiksberg Allé. Its history is a captivating tapestry woven with laughter drama and unexpected twists.
Originally built in 1855 the building housed a concert hall. It was part of the old amusement park Sommerlyst. The building was designed by H C Stilling who also worked on Tivoli Gardens. In 1900 the Stefansen brothers bought Sommerlyst and a neighboring amusement park. They added a glass veranda selling sandwiches and cakes. The brothers sold the parks in 1918.
Then the building was transformed. It became Feniks-Teatret a theatre showcasing farces comedies operettas and revues. In 1938 it was renamed Frederiksberg Teater. The repertoire shifted towards elegant comedies.
The theatre’s journey continued. In the 1960s it even became a venue for pop music called Hit House. It was a short-lived venture though.
Stig Lommer took over in 1957. He renamed it Aveny Teatret. He wanted to call it Avenue but thought the pronunciation would be too challenging. Later it became Dr Dantes Aveny. Then it was Aveny-T a name that resonated with its modern approach.
Aveny-T’s story is about resilience. In 2011 it faced closure but reopened in 2012. It became a collaborative hub. It worked on many co-productions. One example is its collaboration with Aarhus Teater.
In 2022 Aveny-T received a new addition. This extension will serve as a creative space. It is primarily intended for a young audience between 15 and 35. The project received support from the A P Møller Foundation. Many famous Danish actors have graced the Aveny-T stage. Bodil Ipsen Nikolaj Lie Kaas and Mads Mikkelsen are just a few names.
Today Aveny-T is a thriving hub. It attracts both established artists and emerging talents. The theatre continues its legacy of offering diverse and engaging performances. Its history is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to the enduring power of theatre and the city’s cultural heart.