In English Shortly
Theatre of Varkaus is a human size professional theatre. It has been working here in the heart of Saimaa region continuously since 1913. We produce 4-6 premiers per season and always at least one of them is a musical.
Over 110 years old theatrehouse has such an unique athmosphere. One can not describe it – it must be experienced. Hospitability is our second name.
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Club evenings
Our popular Club evenings (Klubi) are open from September to May mainly in the first Wednesday of the month at 18 o´clock. Themes and performers vary.
Duration approximately 1,5-2 hours.
Come and enjoy the warm feeling!
Dates of our Club evenings
Autumn 2026:
Wednesday 7.10. at 18:00
Wednesday 11.11. at 18:00
Tickets 5 €, sold also from the door one hour before the show.
Tel. +358 44 3648830, myynti@varkaudenteatteri.fi
(If you want to reserve a table, please contact directly Theatre Bar. Tel. +364 44 3648831. They are on call till Tuesday to Thursday from 11:00 till 14:00 and 2 hours before every staging.)
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Musicals
Menomekko – Party Dress
Menomekko is a musical comedy about the excitement of Saturday nights
On Saturday nights, the party is in full swing!
That’s when we put on our party dresses—decade after decade.
Menomekko is a hilarious, heartwarming, and down-to-earth musical that follows the Nyyssönen family from 1955 to the present day. The story begins in the wild 1950s, when the lights of the dance halls come on and the Mannola-Kekkonen-Koivunen trio’s “Menomekko” blares out. As the factory whistles blow and the workers head out to enjoy the weekend, the audience is swept along on a journey through time that stirs the hidden corners of Finnish memories.
At the beginning of the play, Matilda and Kassu meet at the factory gates. Matilda wants to go dancing, but inspired by the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, Kassu just wants to run. Love wins out, however; families grow, Saturday nights change over the decades, and party dresses shift in style: from bell-sleeves to miniskirts and disco glitter.
The story is populated by the small town’s colorful characters, such as Ruutinaama and Kylymän Viilee, a pair of friends hardened by moonshine stills and life’s harsh blows, as well as Father Nyyssönen, who lost a finger on the front lines and writes fiercely to Kekkonen. We explore the phenomena of different decades: the hopes for the future in 1980s nightclubs, the bleak moments of the 1990s recession at the employment office, and TV variety shows where, in addition to Lenita Airisto and Jatkoaika, you might just catch a glimpse of yourself.
Written and directed dy Mari Perankoski.
Premiere 12.9.2025.
Tickets are sold online by Ticketmaster.
Prizes start from 36-42 €.
Duration 2 hours 15 minutes, including 20 minute intermission.
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Guided tours behind the scenes
Come and take a peek behind the scenes!
During the tour, you’ll get a peek where the public doesn’t normally have access. The performance itself is just part of the work that went into it. Now you can explore the set, the sewing room and the side rooms of our stage. You’ll also hear a bit of our theatre’s history and good theatre stories!
There will be time for questions at the end of the backstage tour of the theatre.
Duration approx. 45 min.
Price 80 €. Group size Max. 20 people.
Contact the Theatre Director Juha Vuorinen, 044 3648821, juha.vuorinen@varkaudenteatteri.fi
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Description of the play
Are you and your group interested in learning more about the play before the performance?
A member of our staff will meet your group in the theatre lobby at an agreed time. He or she will give your group in-depth information about the play’s themes, casting, costuming, staging and rehearsal process. During the discussion session, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have and make your visit to the theatre a more complete experience.
If you have a perspective in mind through which you would like to approach the work, we will listen carefully to your wishes.
Duration approx. 30 min.
Price 80 €.
Please contact our box office, tel. 044 3648830 or myynti@varkaudenteatteri.fi
Welcome!
It is our pleasure to surprise you positively.
Lahjakortit