Theater Drehleier

Theater Drehleier is a small Munich theatre specialising in light entertainment. It opened in 1976 in Balanstraße under Beppi Bachmair, Uwe Kleinschmidt and Werner Winkler, who named it after the medieval string instrument built by Wolfram Kunkel. In 1997 the landlord’s renovations forced a move to Rosenheimer Straße. Werner Winkler ran the venue alone until 2021, when Manuela Hoffmann took charge. The theatre became a landmark in Munich’s light-entertainment scene. Hannes Wader, Willy Michl and Konstantin Wecker all appeared on its stage, alongside Bill Ramsey, the Spider Murphy Gang and BAP. Werner Winkler also created his own house ensemble, Varieté Spectaculum, whose 1987 revue ran seventy-four times in a row and spawned twenty-five programmes by 2003. Winkler’s work earned him Munich’s cabaret prize in 2011. Inside, the intimate hall seats a modest audience close to the stage. The walls display photographs of past performers. A small bar serves drinks between acts. Outside, Rosenheimer Straße’s cafés and bars add to the lively district atmosphere. The theatre remains a quiet but reliable stage for new and established artists.