Even in the GDR era, the city's stages were a guarantee for critical political satire, which made fun of the workers' and farmers' state with biting humor and accurate punchlines. This tradition continues to the present day: since the Peaceful Revolution in 1989, more stages have been founded in the city - the best proof that the scene never sleeps.

Culture on a different level

Right in the heart of the city is Leipzig’s oldest stage: The Cabaret Leipziger Pfeffermühle. Since 1954 it has been one of the most renowned cabaret stages in the German-speaking world. The traditional cabaret entertains its audience with highly explosive and topical punch lines. The political pepper never lost its edge. With over 170 touring performances, the Leipzig Pfeffermühle is the most travel-loving cabaret ensemble in the world. An in-house youth cabaret and groups from a cabaret school complete the house at Katharinenstraße 17. The mill café and the gallery with a small stage are also suitable for private and company celebrations. (www.kabarett-leipziger-pfeffermühle.de)

Another true veteran of the scene is the Cabaret cabaret mixer. Originally founded as a student cabaret in 1966, the theater is still one of the most popular in the city. The annual repertoire includes ten of its own plays in the original Art Deco hall in Kupfergasse. Guests can look forward to an attractive mixture of nostalgia and functionality: the fine materials in the rooms are reminiscent of the theater's previous life as a trade fair center. In the summer months, open-air events also take place in the Paulaner Palace. Insiders call the restaurant belonging to the theater "Mixer." There, guests can enjoy good, home-style culinary delights before and after the performance. (www.academixer.com)

Founded in 1979 Cabaret Leipziger Brettl is one of the most prominent in the field of satirical-political solo cabaret. The program mainly features satirical pieces from Saxony. With only 49 seats, the stage at Merseburger Straße 118 is the smallest solo stage in Saxony.

True to the motto “Smile can dispel the darkness”, the cabaret theater SANFTWUT has been making its guests laugh since 1989. With a constantly changing program, the stage has been offering theater fun for young and old in the famous Mädler Passage since 1997. Until its opening not far from Auerbachs Keller, the cabaret had backyard theater Boccaccio in the southern suburbs of Leipzig. SANFTWUT stands for wit, satire and impressive musicality: the music of the performances encompasses all facets and is unmistakable. The auditorium is very variable thanks to a flexible stage and offers space for up to 160 people. Guests are also not left out in terms of culinary delights: in the in-house pub "Schabernack" you can enjoy the time before and after a performance. (www.kabarett-theater-sanftwut.de)

Also in the middle of the city center is the Cabaret Theater Leipziger Funzel. Under the direction of Thorsten Wolf, known from the ARD series “Tierärztin Dr. Mertens”, visitors can expect an evening full of witty political satire of the highest order. In addition to the in-house ensemble members, the program is regularly enlivened by guest performances from the art scene. In a very cozy atmosphere, you can enjoy hearty food in the Funzelkneipe. The annual highlight is the cabaret evenings in the Zoo Leipzigsystem. (www.leipziger-funzel.de)

Until 1999, the König-Albert-Haus housed the Kabarett Gohglmosch, founded in 1992 by Meigl Hoffmann. After the closure of the Gohglmosch, the cabaret artist, singer and entertainer made several guest appearances in the following years at the Schauspiel Leipzig, at the academixers and in various variety shows. In 2007 he brought the cabaret back to life before he founded the Leipzig Central Cabaret This is located at the same location and offers the entire spectrum of comedic entertainment. Guests can look forward to high-class gastronomy and culture in one in the historic King Albert House. The young house ensemble offers a variety of show formats: from fascinating magic to satirical travesty to thrilling burlesque - there are no limits to the entertainment. (www.central-kabarett.de)

The comprehensive cabaret offering of the city of Leipzig is also complemented by one of the most renowned and innovative variety shows in all of Europe. Krystallpalast Varieté Leipzig has been providing exceptional entertainment in Leipzig since 1997. The trademark is the unconventional and poetic shows in the style of "Cirque Nouveau", which captivate visitors of all ages. The event hall in the Spiegelpalast has space for 180 people on two levels. The combination of music, acrobatics, comedy and magic makes for a cultural highlight. Excellent show menus are served in the variety restaurant before and after the shows. (www.krystallpalast.de)

Another notable venue is the Kupfersaal Leipzig. Right next to the academixer cabaret, the venue offers a stage for poetry slams, comedy shows or cabarets in a unique ambience. The hall, built in 1912/1913, is located in the "Dresdner Hof" at Kupfergasse 2. The building was originally designed as a trade fair hall. Since its opening, the Kupfersaal has been known as a pub under the name "Naumann-Bräu" or as a cafeteria and FDJ youth club "Kalinin". In the meantime, the academixer cabaret also found temporary accommodation here under the name "Lampenladen". (www.kupfersaal.de)

The Leipzig cabaret scene is complemented by a unique festival: The Leipzig Laughter FairThe European Humor and Satire Festival offers a stage to international artists and strains the laughter muscles of its audience every year. Since 1991, around 200 cabaret artists, comedians and clowns have performed at numerous events every October. At each festival, the best program is awarded the Leipzig Dandelion by a jury. The prize is presented at the opening event of the following Lachmesse. The Leipzig Dandelion is now one of the most coveted cabaret prizes, alongside the German Cabaret Prize and the Salzburg Bull. Since 2013, the Lachmesse eV has also been running the “Kupferpfennig-Wettstreit” competition for young talent – ​​with a top prize of 50.000 cents. (www.lachmesse.de)