Yes, yes — we all know what hospitable and colorful Poltava is most commonly associated with. But you are on the website of a ticket operator. And that means that here we will be talking about something quite different from the legendary plump dough delicacies — halushky, whose iconic status and fame have been immortalized in a monument on Sobornyi Square in the city. We will talk about the theatres and artistic life of the regional center. And here, we cannot do without the names of Ivan Kotliarevskyi, Mykola Hohol, Panas Myrnyi, Mykhailo Shchepkin, Mariia Zankovetska and other giants of Poltava's literary and theatrical world.
For many years, the main Temple of Melpomene in Poltava has been the M. V. Gogol Music and Drama Theatre. Yet the city's theatrical canvas is actually woven from many «threads». More about them below.
Independent studios and touring theatre companies come to the regional center with energetic comedies and vivid performances. The Poltava Puppet Theater is breaking stereotypes by presenting profound evening performances for adults alongside children's fairy tales on its stage. Premieres of rock operas, symphonic shows and spectacular musicals add even more color to the city's theatrical life. You can find an announcement of every event on the Concert.ua website.
For many years, the main Temple of Melpomene in Poltava has been the M. V. Gogol Music and Drama Theatre. Yet the city's theatrical canvas is actually woven from many «threads». More about them below.
Poltava Theatre Poster
The Poltava theatre poster certainly does not fear competition from other cultural centers of the region or even the country. The city is home to large professional companies, while young creative communities continue to develop. Theatrical experimentation is becoming increasingly popular. Theatre studios are adding bold interpretations of masterpieces of Ukrainian and world drama to their repertoires. The classical approach to productions also continues to attract its audience.Independent studios and touring theatre companies come to the regional center with energetic comedies and vivid performances. The Poltava Puppet Theater is breaking stereotypes by presenting profound evening performances for adults alongside children's fairy tales on its stage. Premieres of rock operas, symphonic shows and spectacular musicals add even more color to the city's theatrical life. You can find an announcement of every event on the Concert.ua website.
Poltava Theatre Repertoire
The theatrical stage of Poltava offers productions by contemporary playwrights and classics. These include musical performances, modern productions filled with subtle psychological insight, heartwarming stories for children and much more. Choose the genre that appeals to you:- psychological drama and tragedy («Stolen Happiness» by Ivan Franko, «Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors» by Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi, «Peer Gynt» by Henrik Ibsen);
- musical performances and operas («Natalka Poltavka» by Ivan Kotliarevskyi, «Sorochyntsi Fair» by Mykola Hohol);
- comedies and tall tales («The Kaidash Family» by Ivan Nechui-Levytskyi, «The Witch of Konotop» by Hryhorii Kvitka-Osnovianenko);
- performances for the whole family («Treasure Island» by Robert Stevenson, «The Wizard of Oz» by Frank Baum, «Once There Was a Dog» based on folk motifs);
- performances for adults at the puppet theatre («Christmas Eve» by Mykola Hohol, «The Bird in the Attic» by Oleh Mykhailov).
Main Theatre Venues in Poltava
Like pearls scattered across the city map, there are venues that regularly or occasionally welcome various creative companies within their walls:- Poltava Academic Regional Ukrainian Music and Drama Theater named after M. V. Gogol – the heart of the city's theatrical life. The institution has not simply adapted to working during wartime: the company is doing everything possible to ensure that residents and visitors to Poltava can always attend their favorite performance and restore their emotional strength;
- Poltava Regional Philharmonic – a cozy, fully renovated space where musical evenings, performances by song and dance ensembles, as well as theatrical performances take place;
- Poltava Academic Regional Puppet Theater – one of the oldest puppet theatres in Ukraine, with a repertoire of performances for children and adults;
- Poltava City House of Culture – the city's venue with the largest number of spectator seats;
- Culture and Leisure Center – a stage hosting performances by amateur groups and touring theatres;
- Creative Laboratory «Theatre of Contemporary Dialogue» – an independent social documentary theatre.
2026 Theatre Season in Poltava
Ready to discover new directors or see your favorite actors in unexpected roles? – Then do not miss the autumn premieres at Poltava's theatres. This year, the masters of the stage have prepared the following new productions for you:- fantasy musical for the whole family «Legends of the Enchanted Forest» based on the book by Viktor Andriienko and Olena Shulha;
- drama «Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors» by Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi;
- comedy «Theatre, or Noises Off» by Michael Frayn;
- tall tale «The Witch of Konotop» by Hryhorii Kvitka-Osnovianenko;
- musical «The Prince and the Pauper» by Mark Twain;
- amazing adventure «The Same Münchausen» by Rudolf Raspe.