“Lights, camera, action.” Can’t you just feel the energy radiating from Maxim? This isn’t just any building. It’s a place where Swedish entertainment history was written. Let’s dive into the story of this famous Stockholm theatre.
Maxim, or Maximteatern as it’s officially known, has been a popular spot since the 1960s. But its story begins earlier. The building was designed as a film screening theatre. Ernst Grönvall designed it back in 1945 and 1946.
Originally, it was called Karlaplansstudion. Swedish Radio used it as a studio. Popular shows like “Karusellen” and “Frukostklubben” were broadcast from here in the 40s and 50s. Can you imagine listening to those shows live from this very spot?
But there’s more. In 1963, history was made. The Beatles played their first gig outside the United Kingdom and Germany right here at Maxim. That iconic performance even made it onto the “Anthology 1” compilation album in 1995. Feel the echoes of Beatlemania in the air.
In 1967, the studio was rebuilt. It became a theatre and movie theatre. From the 1970s onwards, it has operated only as a theatre. Maxim has continuously evolved and entertained.
The 1980s brought new management. The Limabrall company took over. This company consisted of well-known names in Swedish entertainment. These names included Lill Lindfors, Magnus Härenstam, Brasse Brännström and Aller Johansson. This crew brought fresh energy and creativity. Productions like “SPÖK”, “Omaka par”, “Skål”, and “Arsenik och gamla spetsar” became hits. These shows were very successful in the 80s and 90s.
Since 2003, a company called Proscenia has been running Maximteatern. But even after that, the Maxim faced a turbulent time. A controversial church and Lidl were once considered to take over the location. In August 2023, the doors reopened. People could take home a piece of theatre history. The chairs were removed after 54 years.
Ellen Tejle led the reopening. She assembled a team to revive the theatre. Actress and restaurateur Lia Boysen played a key role. She helped with design and modernization. Astrid Sampe designed the red velvet fabric on the seats. She was a prominent textile designer.
During the 1940s war years, about 200 women worked here. They were part of the Defence Radio Authority. They tracked signals from warring powers.
Maximteatern faced rising rents. This threatened its existence. Lisa Nilsson argued that cultural venues should be protected from market rents.
In recent years, Maxim became known for its artistic quality. Under Agneta Villman and Mikael Persbrandt, it staged dramas by famous playwrights.
Before rehearsals for Lars Norén’s play in 2022, it was clear that the theatre had to close. The production company and the venue had to split due to rent increases.
The condominium association sold the theatre to Green Group AB. They intended to raise the rent by 110 percent. There were proposals for Hillsong Church to share the venue. However, this never happened.
In the renovation, the theatre was soundproofed from the apartments above. The frame was sawn off. This alone cost about seven million.
The new Maxim opened on September 20. Sarah Klang performed at the opening. The legacy of Maxim lives on. Some of the old chairs were donated to theatres in other areas.
Today, Maxim stands as a testament to Stockholm’s vibrant cultural scene. It is a place where memories were made. It’s a place where new stories are waiting to be told. As you stand here, imagine the laughter, the music, and the drama that have filled this space. Maxim is more than a theatre. It is a living piece of history.