Great National Theatre (1873)
6, Beadon Street

The Great National Theatre was established on 29th September, 1873. Sri Bhuban Mohan Niyogi donated a large sum of money for founding this theatre. The play 'Kamyakanan' was staged here. In 1877, Girish Chandra Ghosh became its owner and rechristened this Theatre as 'National Theatre'. But he could not run the theatre for long and Sri Pratap Chandra Jahoori took charge of this theatre, after which the theatrical performances were resumed on this stage. This theatre was renamed as 'Minerva Theatre' in course of time.


Bina Theatre (1877)
38, Mechua Bazaar Road

Ramkrishna Roy was the founder of this theatre. At the inception, male actors used to play the female roles on this stage. Interestingly, female actresses, reversed the scenario in later days and played all roles irrespectively. It was revamped and rechristened innumerable times as 'Indian Theatre', 'City Theatre', 'Victoria Opera House', 'Pandora Theatre', 'Gaiety Theatre' etc. Finally, it was named 'Kirty' and was converted into a Cinema Hhall. This was later rechristened as 'Jahar'.


New Star Theatre (1888)
75/3, Cornwallis Street

New Star Theatre was inaugurated on 25th May, 1888 with the maiden show of Girish Ghosh's 'Nasiram'. This is the hallowed place which witnessed the grand debut of three legendary actors viz., Teenkari Chakraborty, Durgadas Bandopaddhaya and Ahindra Choudhury in the play 'Karnarjuna' by Aparesh Chandra Mukhopaddhaya in 1923. In 1950, this stage was made air-conditioned. Today, this theatre stands at 75/3/4, Bidhan Sarani with all its pristine glory.

Minerva Theatre (1893)
6/1, Beadon Street

Minerva Theatre was built at the place where stood the Great National Theatre in the yester years. The maiden play held on this stage was 'Macbeth'. This theatre was inaugurated on 28th January, 1893. Sri Girish Chandra Ghosh gave the last spectacular performance of his life in this theatre. "Minerva" was incinerated in 1922. However, it was thoroughly renovated and in 1925, it regained its old status and play acting was resumed.


Town Hall (1814)

A lottery was arranged and from the huge collection, the 'Town Hall' was built in 1814. However, it was not built for staging of plays but for the proper maintenance of sculptures. Mrs. Litch performed a play 'The Card Party' in 1836 for the first time here. The play became extremely popular. Later on, legendary actors viz., Girish Ghosh, Dharmadas Sur and artistes of their ilk, performed there for some time. The Town Hall exists even to this day with all its pristine glory.


Adhusudan Mancha

This has been constructed by the State Government adjacent to the Dhakuria Bridge. Cultural programmes and plays are held here almost regularly. This has become a very popular playhouse within a short span of time.


Uttam Mancha

Situated in South Calcutta, this playhouse has been built in memory of the quintessential actor, 'Mahanayak' Uttam Kumar, in an area where the great actor used to live.


Mahajati Sadan (1958)
156, Chittaranjan Avenue

The foundation stone of this building conceived by Subhash Chandra Basu, was laid by Rabindranath Thakur on 19th August, 1939. It was opened for the masses in 1958. After that, professional theatre was held here regularly. At present, play-acting has become erratic. Besides, several cultural programmes are also held here now a days.


Rabindra Sadan
A.J.C. Bose Road, Cathedral Road


Situated on the southeast corner of the Maidan, the Rabindra Sadan is the seat of Bengali - culture where drama cultural programmes & exhibitions are held regularly. Nandan show-house behind Rabindra Sadan is Calcutta's prime place of cine culture. It is a cultural centre for film enthusiasts and professionals, largely patronised by the late Satyajit Roy who inaugurated Nandan and designed its intriguing emblem. Its three motion picture theatres have the best screening facilities in Calcutta. One hall is used largely by film clubs to screen art movies for their members. It is situated adjacent to the Academy of Fine Arts Complex.


Kala Mandir
48, Shakespeare Sarani

The gorgeous building stands towards the west of the junction of Circular Road and Theatre Road (Shakespeare Sarani). It has a huge stage on the first floor. Below it is situated a small stage. Several plays in different languages, are held on these stages. Hindi and Bengali plays are the most happening and popular ones.


Academy Of Fine Arts (1970)
Cathedral Road

The concept of group theatre has become inextricably linked with this beautiful stage situated between Rabindra Sadan and Cathedral Church. Several plays in diverse languages are held here. In the academy, there is a gallery for exhibition of fine arts viz., painting. In the early seventies, the distinguished playwright Badal Sarkar started his novel form of theatre - the 'third theatre' at this place.


Rangana (1974)
153/2A, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road

After the construction of this playhouse, the 'Nandeekar' theatre group used to stage their productions regularly. This made 'Rangana' very popular among the Bengali spectators and theatre lovers. Professional Theatre still takes places regularly on this stage. The playhouse is also used for launching plays of diverse tastes.


Jogesh Mime Academy (1977)

This is situated beside the Kalighat Tram Depot. In the early days, commercial productions were also launched here along with the group theatre shows. The quintessential mimic Jogesh Dutta used to perform mime shows on this stage built and designed by himself. The 'Padabali' group of Dutta, delivered umpteen brilliant performances on this stage.

Sishir Mancha (1978)
1/1, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road

This has been built under the aegis of the State Government and named after the legendary actor-director Sishir Bhaduri. This 'Manch' is used for holding group-theatre shows as well as several cultural programmes of diverse tastes.


Ahindra Mancha (1978)

Situated beside the Chetla Park, the 'Ahindra Mancha' has been built by the State Government, not far away from the house of Ahindra Chowdhury, another legendary actor of Bengal. The Government patronizes the drama festivals which are held on this Mancha. Besides, it also hosts the group theatre shows.


Bijan Theatre (1979)
5A, Raja Rajkrishna Street


Bijan Theatre is situated opposite the 'Rangana' playhouse. It is a paradise for different theatre groups to stage their shows. Simultaneously, it also holds regular commercial shows. This is the playhouse which once hosted the immensely popular plays 'Judge Saheb' and 'Sreemati Bhayankari' which were produced by Shekhar Chattopaddhaya.


Gorky Sadan (1974)
3, Gorky Terrace

This playhouse is used for launching plays and projection of films on certain conditions. The Lebedef Drama Circle had staged their unique productions here.


Girish Mancha (1986)
76/1, Bagbazaar Street

This was constructed under Government patronage. It is situated in a place which is intertwined with the sacred memories of the legendary actor, director and play wright Girish Chandra Ghosh. It has become very popular among the masses.