Unique Fuengirola Theatre Celebrates 35 Years Of Expat Performances

British expats in Fuengirola are celebrating the 35th anniversary of their unique theatre.

Fuengirola’s famous Salon Varieties Theatre was built 95 years ago and served the local population with plays and events until 1956 when it was converted to a cinema. The popular entertainment provider showed mostly Spanish films, but once a week it gave the small local expat community a real treat by featuring movies in the English language.

Some decades later, a hard-working, determined group of theatrical expats negotiated a lease on the historic theatre and carefully renovated it, creating the now famous Salon Varietes Theatre and opening it on June 14 1985. Many of those who helped with the transformation are still active in its preservation today, and its performances include musicals, comedies, farces, revues and drama, making it a true theatre for the people.

Its grand opening featured no less than Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band, and nowadays it’s a much-loved hub for the resort’s expat community and the only real live theatre anywhere on the Costa del Sol. It’s also a great place for social occasions and celebrations, with all its members proud of its history and precious place within the international expatriate community.

Many of those performing on its stage have experience of professional theatre and are more than happy to share their knowledge with newcomers. Next Sunday, the theatre will celebrate its 35th anniversary, with the event thanking everyone past and present whose dedication and hard work have given a fabulous new life to the historic building.