How long does the performance last?

The performance lasts about 60 minutes and is designed as a compact family experience without long interruptions.

What age is the play suitable for?

The play is recommended for children aged 4 and up and is explicitly aimed at families.

Where does the performance take place?

The play is performed in the moat of Altenburg in Bamberg on an open-air stage with a covered audience stand.

How much does a ticket cost?

The regular ticket price for adults is €16.50. Further price levels are available for children and discounted tickets.

Is there admission before the performance begins?

Yes, for the performance on 20.08.2026, admission starts at 16:30 according to the ticket page, with the performance beginning at 17:00.

Is the performance weather protected?

The audience stand is covered, so the theater visit remains pleasant even in changeable weather.

MERLIN, ARTUS AND THE SWORD IN THE STONE

Name: MERLIN, ARTUS AND THE SWORD IN THE STONE
Start: 2026-08-20T19:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-08-20T20:00:00+02:00
Location: Burggraben der Altenburg

Magical Family Timeout in the Moat of Altenburg

With MERLIN, ARTUS AND THE SWORD IN THE STONE, Chapeau Claque presents a heartwarming open-air theater for children ages 4 and up. The premiere links the Arthurian legend, humor, and fantasy into a compact stage experience of about 60 minutes – ideal for families who want to enjoy a theater atmosphere in the open air with a covered audience stand.

An Arthurian Legend Full of Wit and Hope

At the center is the great hopelessness, which is translated here as Grohofflokeit into a cheerful, child-friendly fantasy world. Four magicians discuss how to deal with the crisis, become enchanted by an old Merlin legend, and embark on a journey into the past. This creates an evening that combines fairy tale material, adventure, and dramatic art with lively dramaturgy.

Direction, Stage, and Sound as Poetic Interaction

The production by Heidi Lehnert relies on clear images, swift action, and a staging that transforms historical storytelling into a modern, colorful theater experience. Stage, costume, and music create a space where children immediately find their bearings: attentive, sensual, and full of curiosity. The moat of Altenburg gives the performance a special aura, as nature, architecture, and open-air stage form an atmospheric triangle.

Made for Young Audiences, Beneficial for Adults

With a duration of about 60 minutes, the play remains focused and accessible. The four performers carry the action with pace, enthusiasm, and precise character portrayal. This results not just in a children's play, but in a carefully built theater event that also engages adults – as a living encounter with one of the best-known narratives of European mythology.

Bamberg Summer Arts with Tradition

Chapeau Claque has been a defining address for children's theater in Bamberg for years and has been awarded as a cultural prize winner as well as for the best production at the Bavarian Theater Days. This production builds on that: it tells great myths in a small-scale, direct, and charming manner. Those who love theater in the open air will find here a touching and cleverly constructed family play with heart, wit, and fantasy.

Conclusion: An Open-Air Theater that Makes Courage and Magic Tangible

MERLIN, ARTUS AND THE SWORD IN THE STONE promises a summery theater afternoon that leaves young viewers in awe and reminds adults of the power of storytelling. A visit to the moat of Altenburg is worthwhile for all who wish to experience fairy-tale stage settings, good ensemble playing, and a special theater atmosphere live.