What is an Artistical? The new genre between variety show and theater

Variety shows are familiar. Musicals are familiar. Theatre, of course. But what is an Artistical? The term is new—and it describes an art form that creates something truly its own. At the GOP Artistical Theatre Essen, this genre is brought to the stage for the first time with the show GROOVE. Here we explain what it's all about.

The definition: Artistical = Acrobatics + Musical + Theatre

An Artistical combines elements from three worlds: the physical virtuosity of acrobatics, the emotional power of live music, and the dramatic depth of theatre. Unlike classical variety, where individual acts appear one after another, an Artistical has a continuous narrative arc. Every number, every song, every change in lighting is part of an overarching story.

The difference from a musical: In an Artistical, physical performances take center stage—acrobatics, aerial arts, balance acts, and dance. There is little to no spoken dialogue. The story is told through movement, music, and atmosphere.

Why a new genre?

The boundaries between the classic stage formats have been blurring for years. Audiences are looking for experiences that go beyond the expected—something you can't see on a smartphone, but can only feel live. The Artistical responds to this longing.

It's not about lining up individual acts, as often happens in traditional variety. It's about creating a space in which acrobatics, music, and emotion merge. The audience is not only entertained—it becomes part of a story.

GROOVE: The first Artistical on stage

GROOVE is the first show to put the Artistical concept into practice. The production at the new GOP Artistical Theatre in downtown Essen brings together international world-class artists such as singer Della Miles, the Skating Donnert's on roller skates, the acrobatic duo Isabela & Ernesto, and comedian Sébastien Tardif into a complete experience.

The specially produced soundtrack pays tribute to the disco era of the 1970s, the choreography combines dance with acrobatics, and the immersive lighting design of the new theatre makes every moment a visual experience. Around 120 minutes of showtime, family-friendly, emotional, thrilling.

The Artistical Theatre: A space that makes the genre possible

An Artistical needs more than a classic stage. It needs a space that supports the merging of art forms. The new GOP Artistical Theatre at Rottstraße 30 in Essen was built exactly for that: completely newly conceived with an immersive auditorium, state-of-the-art LED technology, outstanding acoustics, and Europe's first stage bar.

The theatre is not a venue into which shows are simply placed. It is itself part of the art. Architecture, technology, and atmosphere are tailored to the Artistical experience.

Artistical vs. Variety vs. Musical vs. Circus – the differences

In short: Variety offers a revue of individual numbers. Musical tells its story through song and dialogue. Circus emphasizes athletic sensation. The Artistical combines all of this into a dramaturgically coherent experience in which body, sound, and space become one—with no spoken text.

Where can you experience an Artistical?

Currently exclusively at the GOP Artistical Theatre Essen. GROOVE opens in September 2026 and is the first production in this newly defined genre. Tickets start at 49 €.

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