English-Language Theatre, Comedy & Cinema on the Costa del Sol

If you’re missing English-language entertainment, the Costa del Sol has more to offer than you might think — from theatre and musicals to stand-up comedy, literary festivals and films in English.

Whilst theatres and councils along the Costa del Sol are very good at presenting entertainment of all types, one drawback for many foreign residents is that very little is produced in English.

If, however, you long for the chance to watch a play, musical or even stand-up comedy presented in English, then there are actually a few options open to you.

“If you long for the chance to watch a play, musical or even stand-up comedy presented in English, there are actually a few options open to you.”

Salón Varietés

The Costa del Sol’s long-standing English-language theatre, Salón Varietés in Fuengirola has now returned from its summer break and different productions are presented most weekends in this, its 41st year of operation.

The Salon was built in 1925 and actually ran as a Spanish-orientated theatre until 1956, when it was turned into a cinema.

Whilst still running as a cinema it showed films in Spanish and in English once a week, which was a very unusual treat for expats in those early days of tourism on the coast.

The theatre has to cover all of its costs from admission fees and combines productions of popular musicals and dramas with a selection of visiting performers.

For those of you who miss the absurdity that is pantomime, this year’s will be Dick Whittington, which will open in the latter part of December, break for Christmas and then return for a few days in early January.

International Theatre Studio

Although unlike the Salón Varietés, which has its own permanent theatre building, the International Theatre Studio is also an organisation which presents plays in English in different venues across the Costa del Sol.

To make life easier for the volunteers who perform, some of the presentations are play readings whilst others are full-blown stage productions.

Tickets are also on sale for Leslie Kimbell’s Four Old Broads on the High Seas, running Friday 9th, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th October 2026 at the TRH Hotel El Paraiso.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start and the hotel bar is open from 6.30pm. Tickets are €19.50 for ITS members and €22 for non-members.

From Leslie Kimbell’s hugely popular Four Old Broads series comes another hilarious adventure, packed with larger-than-life characters, witty one-liners and unexpected twists.

When four vivacious friends set off on the cruise of a lifetime, they expect sunshine, relaxation and cocktails by the pool. Instead, they find themselves caught up in suspicious thefts, secret identities and outrageous antics that will keep you laughing from beginning to end.

Following this, there will be a hauntingly hilarious Hallowe’en Improv Night on Wednesday 28th October with comedienne Lucy Amans as emcee. Dress to scare if you dare!

Stand-Up Comedy Spain

Enjoy a fantastic night of live comedy featuring comedians from the UK. Expect great stories, sharp observations and plenty of laughs.

Taking part are Jeannie Jones, Paul Griffiths, Alan Francis, MC Nik Coppin and a bonus spot from Lucy Amans.

Tickets cost €18 plus booking fee from Eventbrite.

Still on the subject of stand-up comedy, Gibraltar, which now has an open border, has become something of a haven for well-known British comics and over the past few years has welcomed performers such as John Bishop, Alan Carr, Jimmy Carr, Jason Manford, Sarah Millican and many more, although none are currently due to appear.

Literary Festival

Every year, Gibraltar hosts the Gibunco Literary Festival, which is now in its 12th year and runs from 9th to 15th November.

Guest speakers include notable authors and personalities from a whole range of different literary circles, including Dame Penny Mordaunt, Dame Prue Leith, Joanne Harris, musician Phil Manzanera and Leslie Cavendish, the Beatles’ hairdresser, with tickets starting at €9.

Cinema

If you can’t wait for the latest blockbuster movie to appear on TV, then there are a number of cinemas which regularly screen English-language films.

The Marbella International Film Festival, which runs from 7th to 12th October, will premiere a number of new movies, many of which are in English.

Information and event details supplied in the original article. Dates, venues, ticket prices and availability may be subject to change; check with the relevant organiser before attending.