Satire Theatre

The Moscow Academic Satire Theatre consistently ranks among the top ten theatres in the capital and is considered one of the most visited cultural institutions in the city. Hall occupancy reaches 90 percent, and the annual audience exceeds two and a half million spectators. The theatre’s speciality is productions that provoke genuine laughter, smiles, and lift the spirits of every visitor.

What to see at the Satire Theatre

The theatre’s repertoire is distinguished by a variety of genres and styles. Audiences can enjoy comedies from different eras, farces, tragicomedies, melodramas, and plastic performances. The playbill features ironic musicals, phantasmagorias, and even romantic thrillers.

Classic repertoire

Lovers of time-tested drama will find immortal masterpieces of world literature on the playbill. The stage hosts Gogol’s “The Government Inspector”, Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew”, and Beaumarchais’ “The Marriage of Figaro”. These productions have remained popular for many decades thanks to talented performances and fresh directorial approaches. The classic productions are complemented by Chekhov’s “Platonov”, Lope de Vega’s “The Dog in the Manger”, and the children’s show “The Kid and Carlson Who Lives on the Roof” based on Astrid Lindgren’s work. These works received standing ovations as far back as the 1960s, confirming the enduring value of true classics.

Contemporary drama

In addition to classical works, the theatre actively collaborates with modern authors. The current repertoire includes productions based on works by contemporary Russian and foreign playwrights. The phantasmagoria “Where Are We?∞!…”, the musical “The Roads That Choose Us”, the comedies “Too Married Taxi Driver” and “The Threepenny Opera” are based on well-known literary works but have received new stage interpretations.

History of the Satire Theatre: from a basement to an academic stage

The birth of the theatre in the 1920s

The theatre opened on 1 October 1924 in the basement of house No. 10 in Bolshoy Gnezdnikovsky Lane. The idea of creating a satire theatre arose in the summer of 1923 among a group of enthusiasts that included satirists from the magazines “Krasny Perets” and “Krokodil”, as well as directors and actors from various Moscow theatres. The first production, “Moscow from the Point of View”, immediately won public acclaim. A huge number of ticket scalpers reselling tickets at the entrance testified to the instant popularity of the new cultural venue. In those years, the core of the repertoire consisted of political and everyday revues — simple satirical sketches on topical issues that no one else staged.

The golden age under Valentin Pluchek

The theatre’s true flourishing began in the 1950s, when Valentin Pluchek became artistic director. This talented master devoted more than half a century to the theatre and assembled a legendary company. The stage was graced by Andrei Mironov, Tatiana Peltzer, Anatoly Papanov, Olga Aroseva, Valentina Tokarskaya, and Georgy Menglet. The productions of that era addressed topical issues and provoked stormy enthusiasm among audiences, although they often received negative assessments from the authorities. In 1957, during the performance of “Was There Ivan Ivanovich?”, the public stormed the entrance so vigorously that a mounted police cordon had to be deployed to restore order. Popularity reached such heights that tickets were sold out months in advance. Many productions were banned by censorship — among them “Terkin in the Other World”, Bulgakov’s “Ivan Vasilievich”, and “A Profitable Position” directed by the young Mark Zakharov. In terms of the number of bans, the theatre became a kind of record holder among cultural institutions of the USSR.

The modern stage of development

In 2000, the position of artistic director was taken by People’s Artist of Russia Alexander Shirvindt. He preserved the traditions of the theatre’s founders, strengthened the company with young actors, and refreshed the repertoire. In October 2021 Shirvindt became president of the theatre, and the position of artistic director passed to Sergei Gazarov. Since June 2024, Evgeny Gerasimov has been appointed artistic director. In 1984, the USSR Ministry of Culture awarded the institution academic status. The modern theatre has four venues and continues to delight audiences with high-quality productions.

How much time is needed for a visit

Performance duration varies from one and a half to two and a half hours. It is recommended to arrive thirty minutes before the start to comfortably check your coat, take your seat, and look through the programme. Important note: after the third bell, entry to the auditorium is allowed only with the administrator’s permission. Latecomers may be asked to wait until the interval or may not be admitted to the performance at all. The theatre season traditionally begins in September. The most intense programme with the maximum number of premieres and famous productions falls in the autumn–winter period.

How to get there and opening hours

Main stage and “Satire Attic”

The main building of the theatre is located at Triumfalnaya Square 2, building 1. The nearest metro station is “Mayakovskaya”, just a few metres from the entrance. There are two bus stops nearby. On Bolshaya Sadovaya Street, routes 239 and s369 stop. On Tverskaya Street you can take buses e30, m1, n1 and n12. Trolleybuses M1, B, 904 and 101 also pass through Triumfalnaya Square.

Children’s stage and Progress Stage

The children’s stage is located near the “Sportivnaya” metro station at Kooperativnaya Street 4, building 15. When exiting the station, choose the second exit. The Armen Dzhigarkhanyan Progress Stage is located at Lomonosovsky Prospekt 17, near the “Universitet” metro station. You can get there by buses 67, 103, 119, 130, 434, m19 or trams 14, 26 and 39. From November 2025 to January 2027 this venue is closed for major renovation.

Performance schedule

Most evening performances begin at 7 p.m. Matinees start at noon. The exact schedule should be checked on the theatre’s official website or by calling the box office.

What to see nearby the theatre

The Satire Theatre is located in the very centre of Moscow, surrounded by numerous sights and cultural sites. Right next to the building is Triumfalnaya Square with the monument to Vladimir Mayakovsky and the “Aquarium” garden. Walking routes before the performance:

• Three hundred metres away begins the lively Tverskaya Street with numerous shops, cafés and historic buildings
• Five hundred metres away are the Patriarch’s Ponds — an ideal place for a quiet walk and relaxation in nature
• Nearby stands the curious monument to the literary characters Koroviev and Behemoth from Bulgakov’s novel
• Neighbouring theatres include the Mossovet Theatre and Tchaikovsky Concert Hall
• The Mikhail Bulgakov Museum is also close by for literature lovers

All these sites are within walking distance and are perfect for putting together a full-day cultural programme.

Ticket prices and how to save money

Prices on the main stage

The average ticket price for performances on the main stage ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles. The best stalls seats can cost 13,500–20,000 rubles depending on the production’s popularity. Budget options: distant amphitheatre rows and the upper balcony are available from 500 to 1,000 rubles. This is a great opportunity to see a performance without overpaying for location.

Satire Attic

Tickets to the small “Satire Attic” stage are somewhat cheaper than the main one. Prices range from 500–1,000 rubles for regular seats to 2,000–3,000 rubles for the best rows. The hall seats only 150 people, creating a special intimate atmosphere.

Online broadcasts

The theatre offers a unique opportunity to watch selected performances online for just 300 rubles. This is an excellent option for those who cannot attend in person or want to get acquainted with the repertoire before buying a ticket for a live show.

Additional expenses

Keep in mind the cost of parking in the city centre — it is paid and can amount to several hundred rubles for three hours. An alternative is to use popular taxi services.

The theatre’s stellar company

The acting company is rightly considered one of the best in Moscow. Constantly receiving enthusiastic audience reviews, the artists demonstrate brilliant acting and the ability to embody the most complex roles. Famous actors of the company: Alexander Shirvindt, Maxim Averin, Oleg Vavilov, Vera Vasilyeva, Igor Lagutin, Natalia Seleznyova, Alyona Yakovleva and Fyodor Dobronravov. Many of the artists are People’s and Honoured Artists of Russia and winners of prestigious theatre awards.

Practical tips for visiting

• Study the seating plan on the official website before buying a ticket to choose the best location
• Pay attention to the age rating of the performance — some productions are intended only for viewers over 18
• Buy tickets in advance for popular shows, especially weekends
• In cold weather arrive with extra time — there may be queues at the cloakroom
• Motorists are advised to consider taxi instead of personal car due to expensive parking
• Check the current playbill on the official website — sometimes performances are replaced

The Moscow Satire Theatre gives audiences a unique opportunity to look at life situations with humour, relax and recharge with positive emotions thanks to the brilliant acting and diverse repertoire.