The world has changed. Supposed certainties of the past no longer hold true today. This includes the realization that "opposites attract." If it ever applied at all, we have completely lost the ability to engage with anything contradictory. And so we curl up in the protective shell of our own infallibility and retreat into the spooning position of our own worldview.

This is where the cabaret artist Jens Neutag comes in, fighting in the name of reason for 90 minutes. He explains to the old white man that "woke" is not an Asian stir-fry dish, and to the young urban bohemian that minority protection automatically ends where the majority disagrees. In search of a world with more knowledge than opinion, because humans often have surprisingly strong opinions based on shockingly little knowledge.

With his ninth solo program, as always, Jens Neutag accurately finds humor in politics and everyday life, proving incidentally that one can truly laugh well about the truth.

Doors open at 7:30 PM

Light, hope, and diversity
Newroz is more than a spring festival. It connects tradition, culture, and politics and reminds us that renewal and community are universal values. With music, dance, and rituals, spring is not only welcomed in Cologne, but also a sign of diversity, unity, and peace is set.

Berlin. 2005. Hatun Sürücü is murdered on the street by her brother. The last thing she heard before her death: "Do you regret your sins?"

Admission: 19:00

Comedian and cabaret artist Peter Vollmer is coming to us this time with a very special program: The occasion is the fact that he has been on the cabaret stage for a whopping 40 years! That's right: He carved his first jokes in stone.
For the anniversary celebration, however, he doesn't just present a "Best of," no – he reflects on the high and turning points in the life of a now 60-year-old and marvels together with his audience at the dramatic changes we – and he himself – have experienced and gone through in the past 40 years.
Moreover, he knows that even for a veteran like him, there are still grand future prospects: As a casting candidate for "Germany is looking for the gray star." Or perhaps with a job in a museum. As a night watchman? No. As an exhibit. And if you finally want to have the "good old days" back, he will be happy to assist you – and will collect your smartphones at the end of the program.

Doors open at 6:15 PM

Berlin. 2005. Hatun Sürücü is murdered on the open street by her brother. The last thing she heard before her death: "Do you regret your sins?"

Entrance: 17:00

The kickoff of the authentic and emotional young adult book trilogy by TikTok star @maxinereuker

16-year-old Mila Falk struggles with loneliness and an eating disorder after moving to Zurich. But in a clinic, she meets Nicolas, and a forbidden yet hopeful love gives her the strength to confront her inner demons.

Maxine Reuker, who has established herself on Instagram and TikTok as a strong voice for mental health and female empowerment, combines personal experiences with themes like self-discovery and healing in her book. With her authentic, empathetic storytelling, she shows how important it is to face one's fears and believe in oneself.

We look forward to an evening full of emotions, inspirations, and a lot of heart.
The evening will be moderated by the wonderful audiobook voice Hannah Schepmann.

Triple-A Cabaret: Current. Absurd. Off-the-wall.
Probably the last cabaret program in human history that was completely created without Artificial Intelligence (AI). No Google, no Tinder, no Metaverse. That alone is reason enough to watch it!
Not only since ChatGPT, Natural Intelligence is as endangered as leopards, whales, and elderly caregivers. There are 25 billion chickens in the world, but only 1000 mountain gorillas left. Our children are getting dumber, adults are following populists, and influencers are confusing the number of their followers with their IQ... Who wouldn't constantly exclaim in the face of the rampant stupidity of some politicians, neighbors, and former US presidents: "Lord, throw some brains from heaven!"
Robert Griess once again mobilizes all the reserves of Natural Intelligence and takes stock: Creative creations like music, languages, and the Kamasutra are juxtaposed with deficits like wars, Trump, and TikTok. Griess provides funny and surprising answers to the big questions: Did God create us or is God the first AI invented by humans that became almighty? How do we want to live, who do we want to be?
In the end, Analog Oldies and Digital Natives in the audience must confess: Would they rather be a well-supplied chicken in a battery cage or one of the last endangered mountain gorillas in freedom?

"Robert Griess' new program showcases Natural Intelligence once again in top form, right before it burns out."
Stephen Hawking (Frontman of The Black Holes)

Robert Griess is one of the most astute and funniest cabaret artists in the republic. According to Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, he has the "quickest and cheekiest mouth in Cologne". Süddeutsche Zeitung writes: "When it comes to making the world better, Griess is the man of the hour!" For 30 years, his motto has been: "Satire can do anything—except being boring!" Like no other, he manages to entertain his audience with wit and relevance and get the situation dancing with unparalleled humor. Nationally known. Radio and TV appearances. Awards and prizes. Head of the legendary "Schlachtplatte" ensemble. Author of books ("Cologne", "Stappers Revolte"), screenplays ("Käpt´n Blaubär"), columns (including manager-magazin, Handelsblatt, Brigitte), and plays. His work "Berlin@Play" was invited to the X. Theater Olympics in Budapest in 2023. Lives alternately in Cologne and on ships.

Admission from 7:30 pm.

Nominated for the Cologne Theatre Prize 2025

“Everything is unconditionally, preferably unread, to be burned, and I ask you to do this as soon as possible.”

Entrance: 19:00

In recent years, Julie Pavon has succeeded in developing her very own, highly infectious interpretation of pop, combining sophisticated house beats with deep, temperamental vocals. The Danish-Honduran singer and electronic artist has already been compared to greats like Charlotte Adigéry and Kelly Lee Owens (DJ Mag), while the Danish press has referred to her as the wildest live performer in the country (Soundvenue).

In her songwriting, Julie Pavon addresses the emotional and existential turmoil of youth with recurring motifs of conflict and paradox: "A central theme that attracts me is duality. Both in myself and in the world around me, in the thinking of my generation. Wherever there are contrasts, there is friction, energy, and that is what interests me."

Doors: 7:00 PM

Nominated for the Cologne Theatre Prize 2025

“Everything is unconditionally, preferably unread, to be burned, and I ask you to do this as soon as possible.”

Entrance: 19:00

In his new book, Meik Gudermann invites readers to discover the world of friendship between women and gay men in a refreshingly honest and humorous way. In a world where men often set the tone, these special friendships provide a real safe space. Here, you are allowed to laugh, gossip, and be loud – while also addressing the issues that truly affect us.

Meik talks about relationships that make you feel small, about dependencies that feel like handcuffs, and about structures that have held women back for centuries. But he also shows the freedom that can await you behind all this.
Make yourself comfortable, order a drink, and let's talk about men – Meik Gudermann is here to help!

Germany: this is daily big cinema, unfortunately of the disaster movie kind. At least with a high entertainment value. Incompetence, megalomania, double standards – there is something for everyone's taste in German politics. A great thinker once said: We can do it. What has become of that: they are getting us. A country in the final game against itself.
In these strange times, the soul needs hope and reliability. That’s why Simone Solga guarantees, just like the great thinker once did: You know me! For her new program, she is getting up from her legendary YouTube bed and delights the audience with her usual and beloved mercilessness. Simone Solga also dares to take the greatest risk on stage right now. She says things as they are. And she does it with unrestrained joy and cheekiness, appropriately reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Simone Solga goes to where it hurts. Initially out of despair, but once she gets started, it only hurts from laughing.
Give yourself this rare happiness. And tell the powerful together with Simone Solga: You know me. And you can get to me.

Photo: Dominik Reichenbach

Doors open at 7:30 PM

Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado are the leading roots rockers of Denmark, and they have proven this once again with their new album "House of Sticks" (release 01/25 Mascot Records).

For over twenty years, the band has tirelessly played on stages around the world, thrilling the audience time and again. It's not only the charismatic stage presence of the band but also their unique sound that combines soul, Chicago blues, boogie, and rock'n'roll, captivating the listener. Thorbjørn Risager's voice, somewhere between Ray Charles, Van Morrison, and Billy Gibbons, is considered the icing on the cake.

The multiple award-winning septet doesn't just turn the audience into fans but also colleagues and music legends: the band has performed as a support act for Bonnie Raitt and Tedeschi Trucks Band, and frontman Thorbjørn Risager himself has shared the stage with legends like Buddy Guy, Doyle Bramhall II, and Robben Ford. And who can count Elwood Blues himself – Dan Akroyd among their fans?

In January 2025, Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado will release their ninth studio album "House of Sticks" on their new label Provogue/Mascot Label Group, which has been celebrated not only by fans but also by critics! Next year, the Danish roots rockers will go on an extensive tour to thrill their fans with their explosive live shows!

The band:
Thorbjørn Risager – Vocals / Guitar

Emil Balsgaard – Piano / Organ

Joachim Svensmark – Guitar / Backing Vocals

Kasper Wagner – Tenor/Alto/Baritone Saxophone or Hans Nybo – Tenor Saxophone / Backing Vocals

Peter Kehl – Trumpet/Flugelhorn / Backing Vocals

Søren Bøjgaard – Bass / Synth Bass / Samples

Martin Seidelin – Drums / Backing Vocals

Doors open at 7:00 PM

Over all the summits there is quiet…? Not at all! At the Weimar Cabaret, things are anything but silent: Here, you can’t help but laugh while slapping your thighs at Faust I and Faust II. The culprits are Bernard Liebermann and Thierry Gelloz: In a colorful, musical, and hilarious evening, they trace the footsteps of the privacy advisor Goethe… and dare to compare his era with today.

Clearly: Everything was better back then. Back then, today was still tomorrow and yesterday was today - today unimaginable! The Weimar Cabaret poses the important questions: Why did Napoleon look up to Goethe? And why did he find Beethoven's ears deaf to his pleas? What would impress the poet prince more today - the artificial intelligence of machines or the natural stupidity of fellow human beings?

The two word acrobats Liebermann and Gelloz tie their tongues in knots and stretch your laugh muscles: Weimar with wit, cabaret with classics, Goethe with gags… Enjoy yourself (Erl)royally! So then: Spotlight on – or to put it in Goethe's words: “More light”!

Photo: Hagen Wolf

Entrance from 7:30 PM

CHE SUDAKA PRESENTS "WE ARE LIGHT": A TOUR THAT REMINDS US THAT "WE ARE ALL LIGHT"
The Barcelona-based band Che Sudaka, which will soon celebrate its 24th anniversary, announces its upcoming Northern Europe tour, with concerts in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands between January and March 2026. Under the motto "We Are Light," the band honors its Northern European audience, which has so often welcomed them with open arms, and celebrates the radiant energy that emerges every evening between the stage and the audience.
The name of the tour comes from "We Are Light," a song from the album "20 años" (2022), which was created in collaboration with Mal Élevé (Irie Révoltés) – musician and committed activist. The album marks two decades of musical resistance and collective joy. With an explosive, communicative, and deeply human show, Che Sudaka transforms each concert into a festival where ska, reggae, cumbia, and Latin American folklore blend with a clear message: music as a means of unity and awareness.
Their live performances are now complemented by audiovisual synchronizations that further enhance the emotional and visual journey of their shows. Leo, Kacha, and Sergio remain true to their spirit: they spread good vibes, hope, and social engagement through their art. Even after 24 years, the train of Che Sudaka keeps rolling – and every stop is a new opportunity to dance, reflect, and celebrate life. Che Sudaka: music, energy, and humanity without borders.

Doors open: 7:00 PM

Original London Production
BEST OF FAMOUS MUSICALS
Die Musical-Hits unserer Zeit
Artistic Director: Karl Davies
Musical Director: Stephen Ellery
Best of famous Musicals delights with a fantastic collection of musical hits, presenting the most successful highlights and guarantees two hours full of energy and great emotions.
In the original London production, outstanding soloists perform, accompanied by a live band, dancers, and an LED stage set. This great production promises first-class entertainment for all musical fans.
The show features the best highlights from the celebrated current Broadway and West End hits. Notably, the new jukebox musical Moulin Rouge, which is currently a worldwide success and has already won ten Tony Awards on Broadway. With well-known hits like "Elephant Love Medley," "Sympathy for the Duke," and "Crazy Rolling," this production brings together world-famous successes in an exciting program.
The exhilarating songs from Rock of Ages and Footloose also create a lively atmosphere and allow the audience to experience the captivating beats of rock music. Additionally, the powerful and emotional songs from Wicked are presented, bringing the fascinating story of Elphaba and Glinda to life.
The program is diverse and varied!
Highlights of the program include exhilarating songs from the "Feel-Good" musical Mamma Mia with timeless hits by ABBA, the Oscar-winning music from The Lion King by pop legend Sir Elton John and film composer Hans Zimmer, as well as the powerful songs from the Disney blockbuster Frozen about the eternal sibling love between Anna and Elsa.
Another musical jewel is the impressive Andrew Lloyd Webber Medley featuring The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Evita. Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber impressively proves here why he has become the most successful musical composer in the world.
Furthermore, there are highlight songs from West Side Story, Chess, Les Misérables, and other contemporary musicals.

Doors open approximately 1 hour before the start.

New album and release tour in spring 2026
Beats that bridge gaps. A musical fireworks of diversity!

Known for ecstatic live shows and boundless joy of playing, Malaka Hostel transforms every stage into a pulsating celebration. In March 2026, their third studio album: Brucca Beat will be released. The new album poses the question: What are we fighting for? - each song pulses with urgency, defiance, and relentless joy of life. A lighthouse on the horizon, a song against the storm, and a beat that goes on and carries to the other shore. In their new album “Brucca Beat,” the band skillfully builds bridges and transcends genre boundaries. In spring 2026, the five musicians set out – carrying the echo of the past and the heartbeat of that future yet to be conquered. They don’t just play music - they howl, they celebrate, they dance. The coyotes are on the move again!

Doors: 7:30 PM