Colorful, enchanting theater productions are coming to the Balaton Theatre (Balaton Színház) in Keszthely for the 2025/2026 season, promising laughter, music, and adventure for children (and their grown-ups). Get ready for unforgettable stage shows filled with magic, talking trees, gangster mice, and classic tales brought to life.
Never Growing Up: Peter Pan (Pán Péter) Flies In
Kicking off the season is “Peter Pan” (Pán Péter), a one-act musical adaptation staged by Fogi Gyermekszínháza of Pesti Művész Színház. The curtain rises at 10 a.m. on October 20, launching the “Babóca” series, with additional performances for Pom-Pom and Dr. Bubó season ticket holders the next day. A ticket for all three performances in this children’s series is $21, while a single show costs $10.
Everyone knows the story: Peter Pan lives in the magical Neverland, where nobody ever grows up. Along with his Lost Boys, he wages war against evil pirates and the infamous Captain Hook—who, in turn, is relentlessly pursued by a crocodile. When Londoner Wendy Darling and her brothers join him, the real adventure begins, but jealous Tinkerbell and troublesome pirates complicate things. The show lasts 60 minutes without intermission, promising a whirlwind of action and fantasy.
Cats, Mice, and Underworld Mayhem: Musical Extravaganza “Cat City” (Macskafogó)
A true Hungarian musical cult classic, “Cat City” (Macskafogó) returns on October 28 at 6 p.m., produced by Magyarock Dalszínház Komárom. Tickets range from $16.50 to $21. The original animated film, directed by Béla Ternovszky, remains one of Hungary’s most beloved cartoons. Now, with new music and lyrics by Róbert Szikora, those iconic characters—Mr. Tájföl, Safranek, Lusta Dick, and more—spring to life.
It’s mobster warfare between cats and mice, and mouse society teeters on the brink of disaster. Secret agent mouse Grabowski emerges from self-imposed exile, setting out for Pokió to rescue the mouse president’s kidnapped daughter and outsmart the rodent mafia. The cat syndicate pursues him with a rat commando, sparking alliances, friendships, romances, and non-stop intrigue. The musical, based on the 1986 film by Béla Ternovszky and József Nepp, dazzles with action and humor across two acts, featuring spectacular stage design and witty choreography.
Secrets of the Ancient Walnut Tree: Eco-Theatre for Kids
On December 1, the “Babóca” series continues with “The Secret of the Old Walnut Tree” (A vén diófa titka), an original musical fairy tale from Zenthe Ferenc Színház. Young audiences meet an ensemble of woodland creatures living harmoniously inside a giant tree—until Lili the fly turns their lives upside down. Can the wise old tree really speak? And where will everyone find a new home?
Aimed at nurturing environmental awareness, the show playfully yet thoughtfully encourages children to care for nature and respect every living being. The performance, 60 minutes without intermission, is both fun and thought-provoking—a beautiful blend for young minds.
Holiday Magic: Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” (Karácsonyi ének)
Just before Christmas, Körúti Színház brings Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” (Karácsonyi ének) to the Balaton Theatre on December 19 at 6 p.m. With a ticket price of $25, it’s an all-ages family musical. The beloved story bursts to life with music, comedy, and magical visuals. Ebenezer Scrooge, the famously miserly businessman, receives a supernatural intervention on Christmas Eve from the ghost of his old partner Marley, who guides him through visions of the past, present, and future. Scrooge’s frozen heart warms in this uplifting, humorous musical spectacular, featuring a cast of both adult professionals and child actors.
The Echo Legend: Myth Meets Melody at Lake Balaton
Rounding out the season is the musical fairy tale “The Legend of the Echo of Tihany” (Rege a tihanyi visszhangról), on February 2 and 3, 2026, performed by Hahota Gyermekszínház and Balaton Teátrum. Tickets are again $21 for a series pass, or $10 for a single show. This 70-minute production delves into Hungarian legend to reveal how the famed echo at Lake Tihany originated. Why does Aranyanna, the mute shepherdess, play such a large role in this myth? What is the connection to the Wave King and Prince Tihany? Expect a playful yet heartfelt show about love, people, and the echoes of our heritage.
How to Attend
Season passes for three children’s shows go on sale beginning September 1, 2025, with individual tickets available from October 1. All shows take place in the main auditorium of the Balaton Theatre (Balaton Színház), Fő tér 3, Keszthely. Organizers reserve the right to adjust dates or change programs—so check ahead before traveling.
Whether you’re after pirates, woodland friends, gangster mice, or Christmas spirits, Keszthely’s Balaton Theatre has a packed season that promises a magical experience for all ages.
