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Right in the centre of Wadway stands a church dating from 1547. Small, full of character and in use as a theatre since the late 1960s. At Wadway Theatre Church, you sit right up close to the stage. Sometimes so close that performers can barely hide.
The history of the Wadway Theatre Church dates back to the early 1960s. At that time, Harry van Scherpenberg, a doctor from Hoorn, was putting on plays in his loft. That ‘Loft Theatre’ attracted an ever-growing audience, meaning the space soon became too small.
During a cycle ride, Van Scherpenberg spotted a derelict little church in Wadway. At the time, local sheep were using it as a sheepfold. Yet he saw the potential for a theatre in it. The church was restored and officially opened in September 1969 as the Wadway Theatre Church.
Cabaret, music and theatre up closeTheaterkerk Wadway stages a variety of performances, including cabaret, music, theatre and children’s shows. Both well-known artists and up-and-coming talent find a place on the stage here.
And this has been the case for a long time. Among o…
The history of the Wadway Theatre Church dates back to the early 1960s. At that time, Harry van Scherpenberg, a doctor from Hoorn, was putting on plays in his loft. That ‘Loft Theatre’ attracted an ever-growing audience, meaning the space soon became too small.
During a cycle ride, Van Scherpenberg spotted a derelict little church in Wadway. At the time, local sheep were using it as a sheepfold. Yet he saw the potential for a theatre in it. The church was restored and officially opened in September 1969 as the Wadway Theatre Church.
Cabaret, music and theatre up closeTheaterkerk Wadway stages a variety of performances, including cabaret, music, theatre and children’s shows. Both well-known artists and up-and-coming talent find a place on the stage here.
And this has been going on for a long time. Among others, Youp van ’t Hek, Freek de Jonge, Herman van Veen, Bram Vermeulen and Jos Brink performed here early in their careers. Not bad names for such a small church.
A small stage, a rich historyOver the years, the theatre church has gained national recognition. In 1999, the theatre received the Prize for Cultural Achievement from the Prince Bernhard Cultural Fund of North Holland. Crown Princess Beatrix and Prince Claus also visited Wadway in 1973.
Yet a visit here feels, above all, intimate and close. No rows of balcony seats or metres between you and the stage. Just sit back, lights out, and watch what happens.
More than just a theatreThe church isn’t just used for performances. You can also hire the venue for lectures, exhibitions, rehearsals, training sessions and other gatherings, amongst other things. Since 2003, Wadway Theatre Church has also been an official wedding venue.
Getting married in a church where comedians usually turn things upside down? That’s possible too.
Practical informationAddress: Wadway 30, 1715 GZ Spanbroek
Email: info@theaterkerkwadway.nl
Booking line: 06 - 38064015
Start times and ticket prices vary by performance. You should therefore always check the current programme on the Theaterkerk Wadway website. The 2026–2027 theatre season includes music, cabaret, try-outs and children’s shows, amongst other things.
Parking is available along the main road in Wadway. From there, a cobbled path leads to the theatre church. Visitors with reduced mobility may park at the theatre church by prior arrangement.
Among other things, you can enjoy cabaret, music, theatre and children’s shows. The programme changes every theatre season.
The building dates from 1547. Since the late 1960s, the former church has been used as a theatre. The official opening took place in September 1969.
Yes. The venue is available for, amongst other things, lectures, exhibitions, rehearsals, training sessions and other gatherings. The church is also an official wedding venue.
Are you the owner of Wadway Theatre Church? And would you like to report a change? .
Are you the owner of Wadway Theatre Church? And would you like to report a change?