The Merlin theatre is a little gem for foreign residents and visitors alike. It is tucked away behind a main road so it is easy to miss, but if you go down the street next to the lovely Gerlóczy Café the entrance is easy to find. The Merlin has a really special atmosphere which could best be described as arty and bohemian. This is partly created by the quirky decor, wall paintings, lighting and furniture. It is also cosy and intimate and if you have lived here for a few years like me, you are bound to bump into a few old friends in there. Even if you are not seeing a play, the bar is worth a visit as it is relaxed and serves tasty, reasonably-priced food. The play we saw has been running for a while and is called Pornography but is actually about a terrorist attack in London.

For me it had a lot of emotional resonance as I moved from London one day before the attack and I remember that day in time so clearly.The acting was superb and everyone was impressed, moved, shocked, and enthralled all at the same time. After the play we were treated to a kind of story-telling concert where a charismatic Black singer told a tale to the backdrop of jazz music. It was quite a unique experience and fairly unusual for Budapest. At the same time we enjoyed beers and tapas. Overall, this theatre is perfect for anyone whose Hungarian is not good enough to go to Hungarian theatres, for Hungarians who wants to see plays in English, and for anyone who enjoys an intimate arts venue with a great atmosphere.

by Melanie Smith

See Merlin's webpage here