With a sunny Hague Choir Festival, the 2024 summer season at Zuiderparktheater came to an end today. This year, 42,048 visitors came to see one of the 60 productions on the theatre island. The number of visitors was another new record for the theatre. The 2023 record of 38,552 was exceeded by another 3,500. This year too, the weather gods were kind to the theatre, no production was cancelled due to bad weather.
The opening with a Hague Freedom Dinner and the striking of the gong by Alderman Saskia Bruines (culture) was followed by dozens of sold-out shows by Glen Hansard, Birdy and last and least Floor Jansen at Zuiderpark Live, among others. Sultry summer evenings at Latin in the Park and Residentie Orkest were enjoyed. Fresh new talent also shone at Young Talent in the Park and Youth Summer Fest. The Hague African Festival and Young Metropole Orchestra returned to the agenda this year, and Shirma Rouse played with Orkest Koninklijke Luchtmacht two nights in a row to kick off her summer tour. New partners also laid the groundwork for The Hague Blues and Rock Party of the Year, possibly returning next year. The Holiday Park also hosted another six weeks of entertainment and fun.
"It is with great pride that we look back on this season. A big thank you to our audiences. Of course, this year too was hectic and we faced challenges no other theatre has. From a fallen tree on the backstage to bat research. Our 100-plus volunteers and team were ready for the full range of productions with dozens of partners. We are additionally delighted that the new multi-year grant will allow us to continue with peace of mind for the next 4 years AND that we have renewed the contract with partner Greenhouse Talent for 4 years."
Next year, the open-air theatre will open its doors again in May, when the operating foundation will celebrate its 10th anniversary. We expect the first announcements next autumn.
