Step into the 2025/2026 theater season at Balaton Theatre (Balaton Színház), where a dazzling lineup of crime, comedy, children’s adventures, and beloved musicals awaits. With thrilling premieres, timeless classics, and cult favorites, the program has something for every theater lover—whether you crave suspense, nostalgia, or infectious songs.
Hercule Poirot’s Last Stand: “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”
Agatha Christie’s legendary detective Hercule Poirot stars in “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” (“Az Ackroyd-gyilkosság”), a two-act crime thriller launching the prestigious Festetics subscription series. After years spent unraveling mysterious cases, the brilliant Belgian sleuth retires to the seemingly sleepy King’s Abbot (Királyi Abbott) estate in the English countryside, dreaming of serene days ahead. But tranquility is shattered by two baffling deaths.
The local police inspector is clearly out of his depth, so at the family’s desperate request, Poirot dusts off his investigative skills for one final—and possibly most surprising—case of his career. He’s joined by local physician Dr. James Sheppard, and together their clever partnership uncovers a shocking truth no one expected. The play stars Artúr Kálid as Poirot and Szilveszter Szabó P. as Dr. Sheppard, with a strong ensemble cast bringing to life Christie’s web of characters.
Directed by Kornél Simon, with music by Marcell Remete, set design by György Bátonyi, and costumes by Janó Papp, the performance runs 140 minutes including one intermission. Tickets go on sale October 1, 2025, priced at $18 and $21, with subscription packages ($61–$72 for four shows) available from September 1.
The Timeless Allure of Peter Pan
For the young and the young at heart, “Peter Pan” (“Pán Péter”) brings the boy who never wants to grow up onto the stage for the Babóca, Pom Pom, and Dr. Bubó subscription slots. Wendy Darling and her brothers leave their ordinary London lives behind to fly with Peter and the Lost Boys to enchanting Neverland, a magical realm of endless childhood and epic battles against villainous pirates.
But not everything is adventure and delight: jealousy flares when the tiny fairy Tinker Bell feels left out, and the wicked Captain Hook—pursued relentlessly by a hungry crocodile—is never far behind. Performed in a single captivating act, with tickets from $10, this classic comes alive for a new generation on October 20-21, 2025.
Cult Animation Reimagined: “Cat City” the Musical
Hungary’s beloved cult cartoon “Cat City” (“Macskafogó”) leaps from screen to stage as a raucous musical on October 28, brought to life by Magyarock Musical Theatre Komárom (Magyarock Dalszínház Komárom). The iconic story of gangster cats and desperate mice reaches new heights with catchy songs, slapstick humor, and a fast-paced plot. Mouse society teeters on the brink of destruction as the burnt-out super-agent Grabowski embarks on a globe-trotting mission to save kidnapped mouse royalty from feline mobsters and defeat a crew of rat commandos.
Mr. Teufel (Tájföl), Safranek, and the rest of the unforgettable cast return, brought to life by the music and lyrics of pop legend Róbert Szikora. With stunning visuals and energetic choreography, this two-act spectacle ensures non-stop laughs and suspense. Ticket prices range from $16 to $21.
Romantic Chaos in Paris: “Date in Paris, or Happy Easter!”
Love, lies, and farcical misunderstandings take center stage with Jean Poiret’s “Date in Paris, or Happy Easter!” (“Randevú Párizsban, avagy Kellemes Húsvéti Ünnepeket!”) on November 13. Set in a glamorous Parisian neighborhood, charming industrialist Stéphane Margelle leads an unapologetic Casanova lifestyle—until a chance encounter at the airport with an 18-year-old girl lands him in hilariously deep trouble. When his wife, Sophie, unexpectedly comes home to find him entertaining a much younger guest, Stéphane scrambles for excuses, claiming the girl is actually his daughter.
Adapted from Poiret and Georges Lautner’s hit script that inspired the 1984 French blockbuster (starring Sophie Marceau and Jean-Paul Belmondo), this sparkling two-act comedy about marital mayhem delivers laughs and jaw-dropping twists. Tickets are $18 or $21.
Fiery Drama: “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”
Tennessee Williams’ searing classic “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (“Macska a forró bádogtetőn”) follows the stormy fortunes of the Pollitt family. As the aging, tormented millionaire Big Daddy faces his mortality, relatives circle like vultures, driven by greed rather than affection. His son Brick is trapped in his own agony, indifferent to the family intrigue, while his wife Margaret—the fiery “cat” of the title—fights fiercely for a future beyond bitterness.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, nominated for four Tony Awards and immortalized by Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman, returns to the stage under director Ferenc Susán. Part of the Festetics subscription, it promises an intense, emotional evening with tickets from $18.
For Kids: “The Secret of the Old Walnut Tree”
Young audiences will love “The Secret of the Old Walnut Tree” (“A vén diófa titka”), a musical fairy tale in which woodland creatures find their lives turned upside down when Lili the fly stirs up mischief in their beloved tree home. Will the great tree “Old Goodie” (“Vén De Jó”) reveal its secrets? And where will the animals live next? This playful, thoughtful production teaches children about the impact their actions have on the environment and the importance of nature conservation. The one-hour, no-intermission show is part of several children’s subscription packages, with tickets at $10.
From gripping mysteries to heartwarming fairy tales, Balaton Theatre’s (Balaton Színház) 2025/2026 season is bursting with unforgettable stories and stage magic for all ages.
