Skuespilhuset, known in English as the Royal Danish Playhouse, is a theatre on the waterfront of Copenhagen's inner harbour. It is the home of the Royal Danish Theatre's dramatic productions, and it sits a short walk from the city centre, making it an easy addition to a day spent by the water.
The building
The playhouse was designed by the architects Lundgaard & Tranberg and opened in 2008. Its modern form stands out against the older harbour streets around it, and many visitors come as much for the building as for the performance. The glass and stone of the structure reflect the light off the water, so the views change through the day and into the evening.
What to expect
The theatre stages the Royal Danish Theatre's plays, presented on its own stages with a focus on dramatic work. Productions are usually presented in the evening, so a visit tends to fit neatly into an evening out, with the harbour setting around you before and after the show. It is worth checking the programme in advance, as performances vary from season to season.
Visitors interested in the building itself can often combine a performance with a stroll along the waterfront. The inner harbour offers a relaxed setting for a walk before or after the theatre, and the venue suits anyone who enjoys both architecture and live drama.
Planning your visit
Skuespilhuset has its own website, where you can find the current programme and details of performances. Because the theatre is a working house with a changing schedule, it is sensible to look up what is on before you travel, so you can choose a production that suits you.