The Ruhr Region offers over 100 concert halls and 120 theatres, making this area a worthwhile destination for lovers of culture. We’d like to present two of the best options for entertainment.

You may have encountered the successful GOP Varieté Theater in another German city, for it is now showing in seven theatres. In the middle of Essen’s city centre you will find the Essener Dependence, with space for up to 400 guests. The show changes every two months and features an international who’s who of artists: acrobats, jugglers, magicians, comedians and much more! So don’t be surprised if you see these performers again in a show in Las Vegas, New York or Monaco. On your request, the GOP will spoil you before or after the show with culinary highlights from their own in-house kitchen. And speaking of being spoiled: What we notice each time we visit is the perfectly seasoned, attentive and friendly GOP team. And this despite the demands placed on the service staff by a show in progress and the many stairs in the theatre hall.

28 years at the same location speaks for itself: Since its premiere in 1988, Starlight Express has broken all records. And not only for the number of visitors! Did you know that the show has already been entered in the Guinness Book of World Records more than three times? The unusual theatre, which houses a semi-arena with around 1,700 seats, was built exclusively for a single show. This was the first entry. The second was for the highest production costs, and in 2010 Guinness World Records, London, chose STARLIGHT EXPRESS as the theatre with the highest number of visitors worldwide in one location. Daredevil acrobatics, thrilling songs, magical dance scenes, a gripping story, shimmering costumes and a sophisticated lighting concept make the musical an event for the whole family. And goose bumps are guaranteed when Rusty meets the legendary “Starlight Express” at the musical’shighpoint. If you’ve never seen the Starlight Express live, you owe it to yourself not to pass up this opportunity.