Carré Theatre Amsterdam

To artistes, the Royal Carré Theatre is sacred ground. Oscar Carré first performed here in 1887 with his famous circus, but only during the winter months. Later the theatre was used to stage revues, including those of the legendary Louis Bouwmeester, who in turn made way for stars like Lou Bandy, Josephine Baker, Toon Hermans and Youp van ‘t Hek. In the Sixties the theatre was threatened with demolition, but that idea was soon abandoned thanks to a cleverly orchestrated artistes’ protest. Now the grand old lady has been completely renovated and will celebrate her 125th anniversary. She winks to the old familiar sluice gates by the door, and to the Skinny Bridge a little further along. Together they constitute part of Amsterdam’s famous heritage. A little boy crosses the bridge. He dreams of going on the stage.