Poltava Mykola Gogol Academic Regional Music and Drama Theatre

M. V. Gogol Theatre in Poltava: History and Present Day

The M. V. Gogol Poltava Academic Regional Music and Drama Theatre has remained the region’s main stage and one of the country’s finest theatres since its opening in 1936. Before the Second World War, the theatre operated in the Mykola Hohol Educational Centre, which is now the «Kolos» cinema. From 1941 to 1944, the company worked in Kazakhstan before returning to Poltava.

Construction of a new building began in 1953 and was completed in 1958. Since then, the M. V. Gogol Theatre has welcomed its audiences at 23 Sobornosti Street.

A landmark event in the theatre’s history was the 1976 production of «Eneida» («The Aeneid»), based on the work by Ivan Kotliarevskyi. In 1982, the theatre premiered «Dai Sertsiu Voliu, Zavedе v Nevoliu» («Give Your Heart Freedom, and It Will Lead You into Captivity») by Marko Kropyvnytskyi.

From the 1990s to the Present Day

The general mood in society during the 1990s inevitably affected Poltava’s cultural life. For many people, the arts took a back seat. However, by the early 2000s, creative work at the theatre had resumed, and the company began touring actively. In 2000, the Poltava Symphony Orchestra joined the theatre’s artistic community, and in 2006, the institution was granted academic status. From 2008 to 2011, extensive restoration work was carried out in the theatre building.

Following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, productions on the main stage were put on hold, but performances continued in bomb shelters. Gradually, the theatre resumed its artistic activities, with reinterpreting Ukrainian classics becoming the company’s main priority. This led to acclaimed premieres, including «Konotopska Vidma» («The Witch of Konotop»), described as a fantastical tale, and the heroic saga «Taras Bulba».

Architectural Features, Technical Equipment and Auditorium Capacity

Architecturally, the theatre building is an example of classicism. Its facade, with its imposing colonnade, blends harmoniously into the historic centre of Poltava.

During renovation work, modern sound and lighting equipment was installed, and the stage mechanisms were upgraded. These improvements brought the technical capabilities of theatrical productions up to European standards.

The auditorium seating is arranged as follows:

• stalls – 142 seats;
• amphitheatre – 115 seats;
• dress circle – 86 seats;
• balcony – 148 seats.

The total capacity is 539 seats. All seats are comfortable and spacious. Seating is also available for people with disabilities.

The Company

The M. V. Gogol Theatre is headed by Oleksii Mykolaiovych Andriienko, an Honoured Worker of Culture of Ukraine. Under his leadership, professionals work across the drama company, orchestra and ballet. The Gogol Theatre performers are known for their ability to take on a variety of roles, combining dramatic acting, powerful vocals and excellent dancing.

The theatre company includes People's Artists and Honoured Artists of Ukraine, as well as talented young performers. Students from the «Nu i Ditky» («Well, Kids!») exemplary children's and youth studio also take part in performances.

The Theatre's Repertoire

The theatre's repertoire has always featured productions based on works by outstanding Ukrainian and international authors, particularly Ivan Kotliarevskyi and Mykola Hohol. The genres and formats include:

• musical performances;
• dramas;
• performance-concerts;
• children's theatre productions.

Among the theatre's notable productions are «Khanuma», «Natalka Poltavka», «Za Dvoma Zaitsiamy» («Chasing Two Hares»), «Sorochynskyi Yarmarok» («The Sorochyntsi Fair»), «Shliakh Kobzaria» («The Kobzar's Path»), «Ni, Ya Zhyva, Ya Budu Vichno Zhyty» («No, I Am Alive, I Will Live Forever»), «Popeliushka» («Cinderella») and other performances.

What Events Take Place at the M. V. Gogol Poltava Music and Drama Theatre

Today, the theatre is an important hub of cultural life, hosting events in a variety of formats at local, Ukraine-wide and international levels:

• concerts by musicians from Ukraine and other countries;
• performances by touring theatre companies;
• symphonic shows;
• festivals and competitions;
• art exhibitions and fairs;
• creative meet-ups and charity events.

Among the contemporary stars who have performed at the theatre are DOMIY and Olia Poliакova. It was also within the walls of the Gogol Theatre that the legendary character Verka Serduchka, created by Andrii Danylko, was first introduced to audiences.

How to Get Tickets for Performances and Concerts at the M. V. Gogol Music and Drama Theatre

Would you like to save time without missing the chance to watch a performance from one of the best seats in the auditorium? Visit the theatre's event listings and book your seats online. Then simply complete the payment and wait for your tickets to arrive in your email inbox within a few minutes.