Die Komödie

The Komödie is a private boulevard theatre in central Frankfurt. It stands on the Neue Mainzer Straße, close to the Städtische Bühnen. The building was rebuilt in 1999 after the old house was demolished for safety reasons. The new theatre covers over 1 000 square metres and seats a larger audience than before. The theatre opened in 1950 under Helmut Kollek as the Theater am Roßmarkt. Its first play was Ernst Nebhut’s Die Vergessenen, directed by Just Scheu. Kollek soon balanced serious drama with lighter comedies such as Curt Goetz’s Ingeborg, which sold out every night. Stars like Theo Lingen and Karl Lieffen appeared on its stage in the 1950s. In 1972 Claus Helmer joined the team, later becoming sole director in 1975. Today the theatre presents plays on a modern stage with up-to-date facilities. The auditorium seats a larger crowd than the original house. Visitors find a bright, spacious foyer and comfortable seating. The programme still mixes classic comedies with fresh productions. The building’s clean lines and large windows give it a contemporary look while keeping the spirit of Frankfurt’s theatre life alive.