Experience World-Class Opera, Theatre, and Ballet at Uránia National Film Theatre in Budapest 2024/2025
Looking for an unforgettable cultural experience in Budapest? The Uránia National Film Theatre is set to host a spectacular lineup of live opera, theatre, and ballet broadcasts from some of the world’s most prestigious stages during the 2024/2025 season. Whether you’re a passionate opera lover, a theatre enthusiast, or a ballet aficionado, you’ll find something to inspire and delight you in this diverse program.
Metropolitan Opera Live in HD: A Season of Operatic Excellence
The Metropolitan Opera’s acclaimed Live in HD series returns to Uránia, bringing the magic of New York’s legendary opera house directly to Budapest. Over the course of the 2024/2025 season, audiences can enjoy eight live broadcasts, including three exciting new productions.
Richard Strauss: Salome – A Daring New Vision
- Live Broadcast: May 17, 2025, 19:00
- Encore: May 25, 2025, 18:00
- Language: German, with Hungarian and English subtitles
- Duration: 135 minutes, no intermission
Experience the intensity of Strauss’s Salome in a bold new staging by Claus Guth. This psychological thriller, based on Oscar Wilde’s play, is set in a haunting Victorian world, brought to life with rich symbolism and dramatic lighting. South African soprano Elza van den Heever stars as the enigmatic Salome, with Peter Mattei as Jochanaan and Gerhard Siegel as Herod. Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Met’s music director, conducts this electrifying production, which explores themes of desire, power, and revenge. Please note: Salome contains mature themes and disturbing imagery, making it best suited for adult audiences.
Best deals of Budapest
Gioachino Rossini: The Barber of Seville – Comedy and Charm
- Live Broadcast: May 31, 2025, 19:00
- Encore: June 8, 2025, 18:00
- Language: Italian, with Hungarian and English subtitles
- Duration: 215 minutes, one intermission
Rossini’s The Barber of Seville is a sparkling comedy filled with memorable melodies and hilarious twists. Directed by Bartlett Sher, this production features a fresh cast, including the acclaimed Aigul Akhmetshina as Rosina and Hungarian bass-baritone Péter Kálmán making his Met debut as Dr. Bartolo. Jack Swanson takes on the role of Count Almaviva, while Andrey Zhilikhovsky brings Figaro’s wit and energy to the stage. Enjoy an evening of laughter and musical brilliance as Figaro orchestrates love and mischief in Seville.
NT Live: The Best of British Theatre on the Big Screen
Uránia also presents the National Theatre Live series, offering Budapest audiences the chance to see the very best of London’s West End without leaving the city.
Vanya – A Tour de Force Performance
- Date: May 18, 2025, 19:30
- Language: English, with Hungarian subtitles
- Duration: 122 minutes
Andrew Scott delivers a mesmerizing solo performance in Simon Stephens’s radical adaptation of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya. Scott inhabits multiple characters, bringing humor, vulnerability, and emotional depth to this exploration of dreams, regrets, and the complexities of the human heart. Critics have hailed this production as a masterclass in acting and a must-see for theatre lovers.
Dr. Strangelove – Satirical Genius on Stage
- Date: May 22, 2025, 19:30
- Language: English, with Hungarian and English subtitles
- Duration: 130 minutes, one intermission
Dive into the absurd with Dr. Strangelove, a stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film. Steve Coogan takes on four roles in this riotous satire, joined by a stellar creative team led by Armando Iannucci and Sean Foley. Expect sharp wit, biting humor, and a wild ride through Cold War paranoia.
Macbeth – David Tennant’s Riveting Turn
- Date: June 19, 2025, 19:30
- Language: English, with English subtitles
- Duration: 114 minutes
Don’t miss David Tennant’s Olivier-nominated performance as Macbeth, alongside Cush Jumbo as Lady Macbeth, in a gripping production from London’s Donmar Warehouse. This psychological drama delves deep into ambition, guilt, and the consequences of power, earning rave reviews and multiple award nominations.
The Royal Ballet: Broadway Balettek – Wheeldon Works
- Date: June 15, 2025, 15:00
- Language: No dialogue, with musical accompaniment
- Duration: 180 minutes, one intermission
Celebrate the artistry of choreographer Christopher Wheeldon with a program that bridges the worlds of contemporary ballet and Broadway. The evening features four distinctive works, including Fool’s Paradise, The Two of Us (set to Joni Mitchell’s evocative songs), Us (a tender duet), and a dazzling ballet sequence from the Tony Award-winning musical An American in Paris. This is a unique opportunity to witness the creative energy and emotional power of the Royal Ballet on the big screen.
Practical Information and Ticketing
All performances are screened in the elegant Díszterem and feature subtitles for accessibility. Tickets can be purchased at the Uránia box office, online, or through the Interticket network. Standard ticket prices range from 4,900 to 5,900 HUF, with discounts available for students, seniors, teachers, and those purchasing tickets for multiple events.
For opera performances, please note that latecomers will only be admitted during intermission, and live satellite broadcasts may be subject to atmospheric disruptions.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss These Events
Uránia’s 2024/2025 season is a rare chance to experience world-class performances from the Metropolitan Opera, National Theatre, and Royal Ballet, all from the comfort of a historic Budapest venue. Whether you’re seeking drama, comedy, music, or dance, you’ll find inspiration and excitement in every event. Mark your calendar, secure your tickets, and prepare for an extraordinary cultural adventure in the heart of Budapest!