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Belgium
Royal Theatre Toone
The EHL Site
The Royal Theatre Toone is an adult-focused historic puppet theatre that regularly presents performances inspired by classical European works while staying relevant to contemporary themes. It is also the only traditional puppet theater in Brussels still in operation.
Established in 1830 and situated near the Grand Place in Brussels since 1966, the venue features a main stage for its annual lineup of productions, along with backstage areas, a museum, a storeroom housing the oldest puppets and scenery, a library, and an artists’ residence.
The theatre also includes a gallery for temporary exhibitions, workshops for puppet restoration and creation, and a traditional café with an extra stage used for private performances and educational initiatives.
European dimension
The Royal Theatre Toone is a place where European literature and history are brought to life through adult puppet theatre, appealing to a wide audience. Its roots trace back to 16th-century Flanders, where “poechenelles” (puppets) replaced actors in popular entertainment, often using satire to express ideas freely during times of oppression.
The origins of puppetry are linked to an order by Philip II of Spain, who, to prevent theaters from becoming centers of dissent, closed them down. In response, the people of Brussels began using “poechenelles” (puppets) in secret performances, keeping the tradition of theatre alive.
By the early 19th century, Brussels’ puppet theatres were thriving as a popular form of entertainment among adults in working-class neighborhoods. The very varied repertoire was borrowed from popular legends, stories of chivalry, operas, or even religious or historical pieces, cut into serials and performed very freely.
This tradition of using puppetry as a form of free expression is something the Royal Theatre continues to uphold today. José Géal – Toone VII, in particular, has expanded the theatre’s reach by adapting performances not just in English, but also in Spanish, Italian, and German, making it accessible to a broader European audience, thus promoting multilingualism.
The organization
The Royal Theatre Toone operates as a non-profit association with an administrative board that includes representation from the City of Brussels. Housed in a cluster of 17th-century buildings located in the buffer zone of the Grand Place World Heritage Site, the theatre’s main building is owned by the City of Brussels, while its extensions are part of the Brussels Capital Region. These annexes were renovated between 2016 and 2018.
The theatre is managed by a director and the founding president, with performance scripts often crafted by the director and producer. Educational activities are developed with the involvement of students. The theatre’s budget is supported by various funding sources, and it is staffed by a dedicated team committed to its mission.