Theaters

Guy Stevens’ International Comedy Club brings English speaking stand-up comedians from around the world to Switzerland. Every fortnight, selected comedians take the stage either at Mascotte, Volkshaus, Kaufleuten, Alte Börse, Hallenstadion or Maier’s. It’s a great way to start the night with a chuckle and in contrast to other performances in Zurich, this evening is all in English. All venues are perfect for stand-up acts, intimate enough for atmosphere but also big enough to mingle before and afterwards for a drink and a chat at the bar.

The audience is very international and there are always two acts per night. Check the website to see who’s on, as the programme changes every time and, of course, to make sure there is an act on that specific Friday and where it’s hosted. There is no reserved seating, so first come, first seated. 

Schiffbau is the younger, infinitely cooler sister of Schauspielhaus, one of Zurich’s main theatres. For a start, the building looks amazing, the former industrial warehouse is well maintained and has been subtly enhanced with modern features. 

The plays shown at Schiffbau tend to be less well-known than at Schauspielhaus, and it is also where productions by Junges Schauspielhaus, the young ensemble, and a monthly poetry slam session are staged. You can buy tickets online and print them out yourself. Every Monday is theatre day, which means tickets are cheaper than usual (between CHF 10 and 30, to be exact).

Schiffbau offers more than drama in a stunning location: on site there’s also La Salle, a somewhat poncy restaurant with a more down-to-earth bar next door as well as Moods, a jazz club putting on gigs from across the spectrum of jazz, blues, world music and hip hop. Also part of the Schiffbau building is Nietturm, a bar in a glass-fronted tower overlooking the surrounding area.

Whether you’re into theatre or not, Schiffbau has got something to offer. In fact, the building is worth a visit in its own right.